At Home in Arkansas | June 2024

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Meeting the needs of contractors & consumers in Central Arkansas for over 50 years.

Homes are meant for living — and ours are made for living well. Gorgeous spaces. Upscale amenities. Scenic beauty. All in thoughtfully planned communities where work and play naturally come

Looking for a lot or home in your ideal neighborhood? Connect with our trusted Realtors ® today.

Behind the Business with David Munsey, III

WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY’S FOCUS AND AREA OF EXPERTISE?

My father founded Better Lawns & Gardens in 2002. After earning a degree in horticulture from the University of Arkansas, I joined the team to help design landscapes and unique outdoor living spaces. We specialize in everything from plantings to pool design, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and more.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS. I have always loved being outside, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to design outdoor living spaces that can positively impact someone’s lifestyle and help them enjoy being outside as much as I do. We take a lot of pride in customizing projects for the client; I don’t feel like we’ve ever built two spaces that are exactly the same. It excites me to see how unique each one can be and how it can completely reflect the owner’s personality and style.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CLIENT BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH YOUR TEAM?

We understand you are trusting us with your money to create a dream space—and we don’t take that lightly. We work hard to ensure there is good communication and the end result is something you’ll enjoy for years to come.

BIG DREAMS DESERVE A PLAN

We all have big dreams for our children and we know they’ll have dreams of their own.

No matter what type of education those dreams call for, we have a plan.

The Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan allows our education savings to grow tax-deferred. And every little bit helps.

Help their dreams become a reality whether they study in the U.S. or abroad.

Look into opening an Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan – their dreams deserve it.

Summer never sounded so good!

JUNE 3

Maggie Rogers with The Japanese House

JUNE 8

Dierks Bentley with Chase Rice and Zach Top

JUNE 19

Styx & Foreigner with John Waite

JUNE 26

New Kids On The Block with Paula Abdul & DJ Jazzy Jeff

JUNE 27

Bert Kreischer with Big Jay Oakerson, Bobby Lee, Cipha Sounds, Dan Soder, Matt McCusker and Whitney Cummings

JUNE 28

PIXIES and MODEST MOUSE with special guest CAT POWER

JULY 2

Sarah McLachlan with Feist

JULY 6

The Doobie Brothers with The Robert Cray Band

These shows and more coming to Northwest Arkansas! Check our website for tickets.

Publisher Kelly Fraiser (ext. 701) kelly@athomearkansas.com

Editor in Chief

Stephanie Maxwell Newton (ext. 702) stephanie@athomearkansas.com

Online Editor

Laura LaRue (ext. 704) laura@athomearkansas.com

Advertising Art Manager

Taylor Evans taylor@athomearkansas.com

Contributing Copy Editor & Writer

Tiffany Adams

Contributing Graphic Designer & Photographer

Bailey Dougan

Contributing Photographer Rett Peek

Contributing Stylist Angela Alexander

Contributing Writer Rebekah Hall Scott

Account Manager

Laura Hilliard (ext. 705) lhilliard@athomearkansas.com

Account & Marketing Manager Celeste Novak (ext. 700) celeste@athomearkansas.com

Billing billing@athomearkansas.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Call 818.286.3115 or email subscribe@athomearkansas.com for customer service.

P.O. Box 15065 N. Hollywood, CA 91615-5065

ADVERTISING

For information about advertising in At Home in Arkansas, call 501.666.5510 or email kelly@athomearkansas.com.

3625 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite F Little Rock, AR 72205 501.666.5510

From the Editor

Recently I have had many lessons in patience. Some have been small, some have been large, but they all remind me that I’m not always great at biding my time while trusting the process. Waiting is the hardest part— and I imagine this is true for anyone who has ever embarked on the journey of building a house.

Each year as we start our New Construction Issue, I love hearing about the early days of planning from homeowners and designers. The best ideas usually come from informal brainstorming over drinks, making sketches on a napkin, and poring over the pages of favorite magazines (hello!). The hard part comes later, during delays and inevitable hiccups along the way.

If you’re picking up this issue with a new build in mind, have fun in those early stages. Think big before you have to rein it in. And when it’s finally time to get started, we have you covered: Find a full list of home professionals, all recommended by At Home in Arkansas readers (and vetted by staff), to help bring your dream home to life. Happy reading!

Reader Responses

Feedback to stories in our April issue

In response to “Discover the Ozarks,” which included an interview with nature photographer Tim Ernst: “Such a talented and personable guy. His photography and guidebooks have had a tremendous effect on many. I encourage everyone to visit his gallery and buy from his website.”

—TRINA H. VIA FACEBOOK

“I am loving everything in the April issue of At Home in Arkansas. The “Culture Cravings” calendar [page 33, part of the Spring Arts Guide] is going to be so helpful. I am starting to plan our family events around it, so thank you!”

—BETH R. VIA EMAIL

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).

Latest

We’ve made our own move recently! You’ll now find the At Home in Arkansas staff settled into our new office at 3625 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite F, in Little Rock’s Hillcrest neighborhood. We’re enjoying the view of passersby and proximity to new neighbors such as The Full Moon and Carter | Miller. If you’re in the area, stop by and check out the magazine covers and features from almost three decades installed in our front window.

Want to hear more about what’s in each issue? Tune in to KARK’s Arkansas Style as editorin-chief Stephanie Maxwell Newton goes in depth with host Nichole Niemann about the month’s features. Arkansas Style airs weekdays at 2 p.m. on Channel 4 (and online at kark.com/ arkansas-style). Follow At Home in Arkansas on social media (@athomearkansas) for updates on Stephanie’s upcoming appearances.

Photos by

Rett

Peek (editor portrait) and Bailey Dougan

UPDATE YOUR SPACE

Style Ottoman Empires

Put your feet up: Stylish options for footrests abound

PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON

PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK

PREVIOUS PAGE

Hair-on-hide ottoman with brass base. Urban Pad, Little Rock 501.664.4202

1 & 2 “Edwyn” ottoman and “Cordoba” woven pouf. HOWSE, Little Rock and Rogers THEHOWSE.COM

3 Blue chenille “Gumdrop” ottoman with nailhead detail. Kaufman By Design West, Little Rock KAUFMANLUMBER.COM

4 “Tuffet” ottoman by Ashley Childers for Global Views. Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock CANTRELLFURNITURE.COM

5 Leather footstool. Box Turtle, Little Rock SHOPBOXTURTLE.COM

6 “Maeve” upholstered cocktail ottoman. Abide Furniture, Springdale ABIDEFURNITURE.COM

7 “Elizabeth” upholstered ottoman by Shayla Copas for Ambella Home. Shayla Copas Lifestyle, Little Rock SHOPSHAYLACOPAS.COM

8 “Twyla” ottoman with brass chain fringe. Lighting Emporium, Springdale LIGHTINGEMPORIUM.COM

Photos courtesy of vendors

EMINENT TERRAIN

For over 19 years, Eminent Terrain Inc. has been designing and installing custom landscapes for residential clients in central Arkansas. We install outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, pool decks, water features, patios, pathways, fire pits, pergolas, pavilions, seat walls, retaining walls, parking courts, courtyard and driveway entry columns, fences, planting beds, sprinklers, and LED nightscapes.

Owner: Kristi Wright | 501-960-2793 | Kristi@eminentterrain.com eminentterrain.com | EminentTerrainInc

In Print

From new draperies to wallpaper for your powder bath—these patterns have you covered

PRODUCER TIFFANY ADAMS

Lee Jofa’s “Taplow” fabric in Jade/Leaf and “Gardenia Print” wallpaper (also available in fabric) in Red/Green.

For the Walls

Wallpapers to set the tone for your space

9

Local Retailers

BRUNSCHWIG & FILS

Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com

Designer Effects , designereffects. net

Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com Interior

Creations , searcydesigncenter.com Interior Fabrics & Design , fabricsanddrapes.com M Grace at Home,

mgraceathome.com Simply Charming Window Works & Design , windowworksar.com Statements for the Home, statementsforthehome.com

CLARENCE HOUSE

Designer Effects, designereffects.net

KRAVET COUTURE

Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com

Designer Effects, designereffects.net Fabric Gallery,

thefabricgallery.com M Grace at Home, mgraceathome. com Simply Charming Window Works & Design , windowworksar.com Statements for the Home, statementsforthehome.com Tuck & Trim, tuckandtrim.com

LEE JOFA

Designer Effects, designereffects.net Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com Simply Charming Window Works & Design , windowworksar.com Statements for the Home, statementsforthehome.com

1 “Flower Press” in Denim from Graham & Brown. 2 “Palm Leaf” in Linen by Kravet Couture. 3 “Bethany” in White on Natural by Thibaut. 4 “Quiver” in Sesame from Schumacher.

5 “Lotus Pond” in Lagoon from Kravet Couture. 6 “Sidney” in Spray by Stout. 7 “Rio Vine” in Verde from Kravet Couture. 8 “Ribbon Floral” in Raspberry and Teal by Thibaut.

“Morocco” in Lilac by Kristen Leigh for Stout.

For the Windows (& More)

Textiles to dress up your room

10 “Tourbillon” in Multi by Brunschwig & Fils. 11 “Askandra Flower” in Chambray by Schumacher. 12 “Tropic” in Bayberry from Marcus William. 13 “Dalvey Leaf” in Blue and Red from Clarence House. 14 “Dashes” in Blossom by Kristen Leigh for Stout. 15 “Peacock Linen Hand Blocked Print” in Navy & Flax from Schumacher. 16 “Stucco Texture” indoor/outdoor fabric in Indigo by Schumacher. 17 “Borneo” in Bayberry from Marcus William. 18 “Shangri La” in Verde by Kravet Couture.

Local Retailers

MARCUS WILLIAM

Simply Charming Window Works & Design , windowworksar.com

SCHUMACHER

Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com Designer Effects, designereffects.net Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com Interior Fabrics & Design, fabricsanddrapes.com M Grace at Home, mgraceathome. com Simply Charming Window Works & Design , windowworksar.com Statements for the Home, statementsforthehome.com

STOUT

THIBAUT

Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com Designer Effects, designereffects.net Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com Interior Creations, searcydesigncenter.com Interior Fabrics & Design, fabricsanddrapes.com M Grace at Home, mgraceathome. com Simply Charming Window Works & Design , windowworksar.com Statements for the Home, statementsforthehome.com Tuck & Trim, tuckandtrim.com

Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com Designer Effects, designereffects.net Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com Simply Charming Window Works & Design, windowworksar.com Statements for the Home, statementsforthehome.com

In addition to the local retailers listed here, Graham & Brown and others are available to the trade. Contact your favorite local interior designer to order.

Reimagined Classic

Designer Kristen Booth updates her home’s primary bath, making full use of the space and creating calm in the process

“Is this the house?” It was a phrase that echoed in Kristen Booth’s mind when she first saw pictures of what is now her west Little Rock home. At the time, Kristen and her family were living in Virginia and working remotely with local Realtor Brandy Harp when she became excited about the promise of this listing. “It needed some love but it had great bones, the price was right, and I knew we could make it what we wanted,” she says.

While Kristen and her husband, Austin, started big projects like a kitchen renovation and electrical upgrades prior to moving in, they lived with the primary bath for more than a year, taking time to figure out what features would best suit them at this stage of life. It soon became obvious raising the height of the vanity counters, updating uninspired contractor-grade mirrors and lighting, and expanding the shower to fill the space were priorities. “It had the tiniest little shower that we referred to as ‘the cruise ship shower,’” Kristen recalls. “It was like this house was built knowing that whoever ended up with it was going to renovate anyway.”

In planning, she opted to stay with the existing plumbing layout. “We wanted to save where we could while using the renovation to better fill the space,” she says. She also weighed replacing the tub with a freestanding option. “I love sitting on the side of the tub and bathing my kids, and you can’t do that in a freestanding,” she says. “So functionally, it made more sense to go with this,” she adds, pointing to the newly installed tub with a wood surround that matches the cabinetry. Existing built-ins were updated with new doors, hardware, a fresh coat of paint, and personalized accessories that give a collectedover-time feel that’s reflective of Kristen. “I want someone to look at my style and not be able to place a timeline on when it was done,” she says. Here, a blend of antiques and contemporary selections alongside mixed metals all play into the idea of a design that has thoughtfully come together. “Your bath is most likely your quiet haven or your little oasis away from the world, so you want it to feel peaceful,” Kristen says. “It’s a nice feeling when you travel and stay at a hotel and think, I really like what I did at home; I can’t wait to get back to it.”

“My favorite projects are the ones that really address the needs of the client how they’re going to use it and how it’s going to fit their lifestyle.”

—Kristen Booth

1

FINDING A NICHE

The shower wall was designed to conceal a niche that’s perfectly sized for soaps and sponges. The same quartz seen on the countertops and shower surround outline the cubby and pair with the walls’ porcelain tile.

2

FRESH FORMATION

The semi-flush light over the tub complements the room’s soft white palette while its scalloped shape gives the fixture a personality all its own.

3

DETAIL ORIENTED

Raising the height of the vanity allowed Kristen to personalize the design with a textured profile on the front. “I wanted it to look like a piece of furniture,” she says. Mixed finishes—seen on the burnished brass hardware and nickel faucet—add to the curated look.

4

CHARACTER ADDITION

With little wall space near the tub and shower entrance for towel hooks, Kristen found a solution in an antique African pot bench—a piece that is as functional as it is intriguing.

themarshallconcept

themarshallconcept.com

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

You Say Tomato PIE

Delight your taste buds with this easy-tomake Southern summer staple

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS

PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK

PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON

According to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, 95 percent of all American gardens include tomatoes, and they’re the most popular garden vegetable (or fruit, if you prefer) in The Natural State.

If summer gardens held popularity contests, tomatoes would probably take the cake—or should we say the pie?

They’re easy to grow, produce a bountiful harvest from just two or three plants, and—oh yeah—they taste amazing. People looking to get their hands on a few often head to farmers markets on Saturday mornings or, better yet, dig into the soil of their own backyards in hopes of keeping a fresh crop on the table from June through September. With varieties like Plum Dandy Romas, Better Boy and Celebrity red tomatoes, and heirlooms such as Arkansas Traveler and Bradley all taking to local conditions, there’s no shortage to be found in your corner of the state.

And while some days call for a simple plate of tomato slices topped with salt and pepper or even a classic BLT, tomato pie has become a crowdpleaser for diners of all ages. Often touted as being akin to pizza, the cheesy, buttery gooeyness of this deep-dish delicacy is definitely worthy of a fork and knife—and, perhaps, a glass of iced tea. But don’t take our word for it. Try your hand at this recipe using your favorite Arkansas-grown tomatoes.

ARKANSAS TOMATO PIE RECIPE

SHOP

1 store-bought, 9-inch deep dish pie crust

3-4 large tomatoes

1 teaspoon salt

4 slices cooked bacon, chopped

3 scallions, thinly sliced

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup basil leaves, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)

¾ cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon cornmeal

fresh ground black pepper

PREPARE

Adjust oven rack to the bottom third position and preheat oven to 450°F.

Slice tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices and remove seeds. Place tomatoes in a single layer on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt; let stand for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, combine bacon, scallions, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, mayonnaise, and cornstarch to create the filling. Set aside. Place pie crust (do not thaw prior to assembling) in a 9-inch, deep dish glass or ceramic pie plate. Sprinkle cornmeal over the crust. Use paper towels to gently press salted tomato slices until dry, then arrange about one third of the slices on the bottom of the crust. Spoon half of the filling over the tomatoes, then cover with another layer of sliced tomatoes. Add the remaining filling, then top with a final layer of sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle with fresh ground black pepper. Bake for 10 minutes, then lower temperature to 325°F and continue baking for about 40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. (Tip: Tent the pie with foil for the last 20-25 minutes if necessary to avoid over-browning.) Let cool slightly on a wire rack and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Discover Hot Springs

One of Spa City’s most well-known collectors and civic leaders gives his take on the area’s past, present, and future

WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER BAILEY DOUGAN

When Davis Tillman relocated from Memphis to Hot Springs in the early 1990s, he didn’t expect he would still be there more than three decades later. “It was pretty bleak when I first moved here. I thought, I’ll give it two years,” he says. The motivation for his move was to help with his father’s antiques store, Tillman’s Antiques, but he had one good-natured demand: “Part of my negotiation with my father was to be able to buy the building and renovate the upstairs,” he says. These floors above the store became a well-collected backdrop for charity events and parties through the years. With each new face he met, he became more intertwined in the community. “It turned out to be one of the best moves I ever made in my life,” he says. “Hot Springs has been a good place to live, and it’s good to see it going in the right direction. Every year it gets better and better and better.”

Q: YOU AND YOUR FATHER’S ANTIQUES STORE, TILLMAN’S ANTIQUES, WAS OPEN FOR 40 YEARS. I’M SURE YOU MET LOTS OF INTERESTING PEOPLE OVER THE YEARS, WHETHER THEY WERE LOCALS OR VISITORS. A: There were definitely more out-oftowners at the start. It’s amazing the people who came through Hot Springs at that time. We had celebrities in the ’80s and ’90s, like when they shot the movie The White River Kid—people like Bob

Hoskins, Beau Bridges, and Randy Travis all came in. When locals began to come downtown during the mid- to late ’90s, at first they were coming to see some of the celebrities. But then we started to have the Hot Springs Music Festival, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, and poetry readings that drew people who lived here back to this area.

Q: TELL US MORE ABOUT HOW HOT SPRINGS HAS EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS.

A: The city’s heyday was the 1920s through the ’50s, at which point we had a lot of casinos and the top entertainers in the country coming in on a regular basis to visit places like The Southern Club, The Vapors, and The Belvedere Club. People came from all over the midsouth to shop and stay at The Arlington and The Majestic. But when the casinos left and major retailers moved to malls in the 1960s, downtown just went dark. By the 1980s, the city had realized saving historic buildings was important. The first improvements were made with things like sidewalks and lighting downtown. There were minor successes until the ’90s, when the arts community came in and started taking back the older buildings and renovating. With the art galleries came the restaurants, and that’s when tourism really started to come back. That success continued into the end of the ’90s with the building of the Hot Springs Convention Center—that was like a new day for Hot Springs. All

of a sudden we had the redevelopment of retail in downtown and midtown as well as on the lake. The casino at Oaklawn was the next thing that really changed the vitality of Hot Springs. That has meant more fine restaurants, an incredible lineup of entertainment, and, with that, greater purses. Between the historic downtown, the lake, and the gaming, all of a sudden we have more amenities than any other community of our size.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME MORE RECENT ADDITIONS TO HOT SPRINGS THAT YOU THINK ADD TO THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE OF THE CITY?

A: One of the things that excites me has been a greater emphasis on live entertainment. Oaklawn has a facility that has been bringing in major names, and that’s wonderful. In the last decade or 15 years, we’ve also become kind of a foodie community. Every year we’re seeing a more sophisticated visitor, people with more discerning tastes in what they expect when they come here. The renovation of The Arlington Hotel, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, has been wonderful to see. The reuses for the bathhouses— Superior as a brewery, The Hale as a restaurant and hotel rooms—those redevelopments have been phenomenal. It shows the bathhouses aren’t just relics, they’re really assets to downtown.

Read on for more of our favorite ways to discover Hot Springs.

Davis Tillman

Path leading to the Grand Promenade behind Bathhouse Row.

SHOP

Located in downtown’s Ouachita Avenue Historic District, LAVISH BOUTIQUE ( lavishonmain.com) is a must-visit for on-trend women’s clothing and accessories, including favorite brands such as Free People, Show Me Your Mumu, and Z Supply. GENE LOCKWOOD’S ( genelockwoods.com) is a go-to for game-day gear and outdoor apparel. Stop by their location on Albert Pike Road for a cooler and new pair of Chacos before heading out for a weekend on Lake Hamilton.

DINE

Craving Mexican food? TACO MAMA (tacomama.net) has all of your favorites, including quesadillas, tacos, and tamales. (If you have a special occasion coming up, take note: Taco Mama provides catering and a food truck, too!) The 18-inch pies at DELUCA’S PIZZERIA (originaldelucas.com) have developed a cult following, and for good reason. If there’s a line outside, don’t let that deter you—grab a spot and get ready for a mouth-watering slice. For dinner with a view, head to FISHERMAN’S WHARF

( 501.525.7437)—by car or by boat—and choose from an array of seafood favorites on the restaurant’s expansive waterfront deck on Lake Hamilton.

VISIT

Get creative at HAMMER & STAIN (hammerandstainhotsprings.com), a do-it-yourself studio where you can try your hand at a number of home décor crafts such as wall hangings, outdoor games, and knitted blankets—all suited toward a variety of styles and ages. For a day of relaxation, book a treatment at ASTRAL SPA AT OAKLAWN (oaklawn.com), whose services include massages, luxury skincare, hydrafacials, and access to men’s and women’s locker rooms equipped with needle showers, a steam room, an infrared sauna, and more. Finally, reserve tickets to the MAXWELL BLADE THEATRE OF MAGIC (maxwellblade.com) for an unforgettable evening with illusionist and comedian Maxwell Blade in the historic Malco Theatre. Showtimes are Tuesdays through Saturdays, and each performance has something the whole family will enjoy.

Helpful staff at Gene Lockwood’s.

Graphic tees at Lavish Boutique.

The Ultimate Spa Experience at Astral Spa

experience, embrace the healing powers of Hot Springs’ mineral-rich thermal waters; the spa’s Aqua Lounge features vitality pools, needle showers, infrared saunas, steam rooms, cold rooms, and heated loungers. Astral Spa’s luxury facilities include full-service locker rooms and a state-ofthe-art fitness center, allowing you to maintain your wellness routine as you unwind in ultimate comfort. Whether you aim for a solo retreat or romantic getaway, Astral Spa at Oaklawn has something for everyone, all in a stunning atmosphere and with a commitment to personalized Find out more at oaklawn.com/resort/spa.

WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY’S FOCUS AND AREA OF EXPERTISE?

My father founded Better Lawns & Gardens in 2002. After earning a degree in horticulture from the University of Arkansas, I joined the team to help design landscapes and unique outdoor living spaces. We specialize everything from plantings to pool design, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and more.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PASSION FOR THE

I have always loved being outside, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to design outdoor living spaces that can positively impact someone’s lifestyle and help them enjoy being outside as much as I do. We take a lot of pride in customizing projects for the client; I don’t feel like we’ve ever built two spaces that are exactly the same. It excites me to see how unique each one can be and how it can completely reflect the owner’s personality and style.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CLIENT BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH YOUR TEAM?

We understand you are trusting us with your money create a dream space—and we don’t take that lightly. We work hard to ensure there is good communication and the end result is something you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Oaklawn

The fall semester is right around the corner! College kids will love these dorm and bid day essentials from Arkansas boutiques

Rechargeable table lamp with touch sensor, $48. Sugartown Mercantile, Stuttgart SUGARTOWNMERCANTILE.COM

SHOPBOXTURTLE.COM

Katie Kime pajama shorts set in Green Cheetah, $118. Box Turtle, Little Rock

Braun “BC22 Classic Analogue” alarm clock, $56. Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock CYNTHIAEASTFABRICS.COM

Satin pillowcase set (also comes with eye mask and scrunchie), $36. The Refinery, Jonesboro SHOP-THEREFINERY.COM

Greek makeup bag (available in a variety of sororities), $34. Wander Boutique, Fayetteville SHOPWANDERBOUTIQUE.COM

MOVING TOWARDS MODERN

Interior designer Meridith Ranouil creates a contemporary, funky feel in a couple’s new build

EYE-CATCHING LINES

A pair of streamlined chandeliers from Light Innovations—the source for many of the fixtures in the house—draws the eye up to the main floor’s 12-foot ceilings. “It’s not your traditional kitchen pendant,” Meridith says. “It’s something more linear, something fun, and it created this line for your eye to go from one side to another.” A 10-foot island celebrates the room’s generous size while inviting guests to mingle and linger during parties.

With a new home came the opportunity for a new style. “My furnishings had always been traditional, but I’ve always loved abstract art,” the owner of this west Little Rock home says.

After starting on the framing of a new construction home with builder Jeff Fuller, she reached out to Meridith Ranouil of MLH Designs to help make the transition to a more contemporary style. One of the first things the designer did was tour her client’s previous home to better understand how she envisioned her new space. “She wanted to go more modern and more artsy,” Meridith says. “She really enjoys pops of color, and she likes things to be fun.”

To that end, the designer felt free to make bold suggestions, including eye-catching custom art and dynamic light fixtures. “There are several pieces in there that I wouldn’t have been able to show a lot of my other clients,” Meridith says. “They were different and interesting, and I knew this client would

fall in love with them.” Throughout the process, she found a rhythm regarding the design risks her client was willing to take. “I love Meridith’s style, and I asked her to test my limits,” the homeowner says. “She did, and I’m totally pleased with the results.”

A mix of neutral grays, creams, and black forms the home’s color story. Meridith introduced a handful of patterns to add visual interest, including the graphic, geometric Kelly Wearstler print used on pillows and a pair of ottomans in the living room. The client’s art collection—some of which she brought from her previous home, and some that Meridith helped her select or commission—takes center stage.

Because Meridith was involved early in the process, she was able to weigh in on building decisions and material selections, including the white oak flooring, hardware, tile, and finishes. Meridith also carved out a special space for another of her client’s passions: In a cozy nook under the stairs, she created a

APPEALING ANGLES

In the formal dining room, a contemporary take on a sputnik chandelier pairs with a charcoal and watercolor piece by Arkansas artist Joshua Plumlee. Crushed velvet window coverings hung by a ripple-fold drapery rod add softness, while the gently sloping arms of the Bernhardt dining chairs contrast with the room’s sharp lines.

wine room outfitted with wooden boxes her client has collected from wineries over the years. “She’s got all of this memorabilia because she and her husband have traveled to all of these places and collected pieces over time,” Meridith says. “The artisan who completed the wall was really meticulous. He cut all the boxes down so they would be the same height, then he lined

them up, almost like a dry-stacked tile. It’s a very cool look.”

After settling into their new space, Meridith’s client and her husband feel right at home in a contemporary setting that suits their needs. “We love to entertain, and this house has been perfect for that,” she says. “It’s a great place for us to showcase our art, as well as spend time with friends and family.” AH

Two recliners from American Leather provide stylish comfort. “We wanted the color to be something rich and deep, one that brought in all the warm grays and browns,” Meridith says of the pair.

“Origami White” Sherwin-Williams

COLORFUL AND COZY

Meridith and her client were determined to find the perfect art for the living room, which is open to the home’s second floor. “We were racking our brains about what to do here,” Meridith says. “It needed to be phenomenal.” They decided to commission Arkansas artist Steve Adair to create a pair of bold portraits of ’40s actresses Joan Bennett and Hedy Lamarr. “The artist showed us concepts featuring 14 different actresses from that time period, and we chose the images that we felt would be the most engaging in the living room,” Meridith says. “We were also able to direct him color-wise.”

Pillows and ottomans in Kelly Wearstler’s colorful, geometric “District” fabric pop against the straight-lined Taylor King sofas.

SCULPTURAL STATEMENT

Beneath a gently curving chandelier, the breakfast room’s dining table features two concrete boomerang shapes forming the base. This is complemented by a special piece by local artist Robin Tucker, commissioned as a 35th wedding anniversary present for the client by her husband.

ENTICING ESCAPE

The designer chose a spa-like selection for the walls of the primary bath’s luxury shower. “It’s a 24-inch by 48-inch porcelain tile, which allows the manufacturer to get the look of real stone—and it’s killer,” Meridith says. The shower floor is a marble hexagon mosaic by Daltile. Across the room, hisand-hers vanities—featuring a lower countertop for makeup application—are topped with a slab of “Bianco Rhino” marble. Brushed brass accents, including the playful sconces and mirror frames, add glimmers of visual interest to the airy space.

CUSTOM FOR A CONNOISSEUR

While visiting a winery in Bordeaux, France, Meridith confirmed the perfect treatment for the wine room beneath the stairs. “I looked down at the floor of the winery, and it was exactly what I had told my client about—cutting the wine boxes to the same size and stacking them together,” she says. They achieved a similar look on the walls of this custom space using boxes from the clients’ collection of favorite wines.

“I love being able to work with clients’ things that they already have and love. It makes their home more theirs.”

—Meridith Ranouil, designer

LAYERED SERENITY

A four-poster bed with an upholstered headboard was one of the homeowner’s first selections for the primary bedroom. She also brought two barrelback chairs from her previous home, which helped inform the room’s neutral palette.

A textured chaise lounge from Arkansas designer Ashley Childers’ collection with Global Views anchors the foot of the bed. “We wanted to create some warmth and depth,” Meridith says of the mix.

Design Resources BUILDER Jeff Fuller, Jeff Fuller Homes DRAFTSMAN Jimmy Buckman, Quality Designs

Something New

Designer Mona Thompson Phelan’s next chapter includes a newly constructed west Little Rock home

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK

STYLIST ANGELA ALEXANDER

TIMELESS BEAUTY

The build started with a vision for the exterior. “Being in this business, I’ve saved pictures of houses forever,” Mona says. “The end result is not exactly like the inspiration, but it played a big part in it.” Although the home is new, its linen-hue, the messy mortar wash on the brick, and thoughtful landscaping by The Good Earth Garden Center give it an older, established look.

When you ring the doorbell at Mona and Dick Phelan’s home, you’ll be greeted with the sound of Pharrell Williams singing his catchy hit “Happy.” It’s a fitting soundtrack for the feeling that continues once you cross the threshold of the recently built home. While sophisticated and refined, there’s an air of approachability and a sense of comfort that seems to dance from room to room. It’s not stuffy and there’s no pretense, but rather a sense of genuineness that comes from knowing what you like and how to incorporate it—and working with people who know you well.

By the way Mona and Dick seem so settled in their home, you'd think they'd been there a decade; however, the house was one in a series of changes for the couple, who were married in 2021. Previously, Mona and her late husband, Don, had downsized into a home that she expected would be her last. “I thought I was finished and that was where I was going to be, but with marrying Dick and bringing our lives together, it didn’t suit,” she says. After working on a project with a client who is now her neighbor, Mona fell in love with the location's wooded setting that is close to all the amenities of west Little Rock. She and Dick even exchanged vows in that same neighbor’s backyard, then

jumped at the chance to purchase an adjoining piece of property for their own home.

Around the same time, Mona and her sister, Talena Ray, who are the founders of Little Rock’s beloved Providence Design, began to think about retirement, eventually turning over the shop’s reins to Kimberly Mannis in the summer of 2023. “Kim and I worked side-by-side for six years,” Mona says. “As things progressed, I could see it was preparing her for this moment.” Mona and Kim drew this house together in just one meeting before taking the plans to the architect to tweak and make builder-ready. Mona shares that prior to working with Providence, Kim built spec houses while also working as a computer programmer. “Her type A personality that made her so good at what she did in that industry translates to her passion and love for design. One of her strengths is looking at a set of plans and perfecting them,” Mona says. “I am just so thankful that Providence goes on with her. We could have closed the doors, sold the inventory, and that would have been it. That was never my wish; my dream was to see it continue.”

Aside from her relationship with Kim, Mona trusted her longtime friend and builder Bill Parkinson to manifest the plans and execute detailed treatments like a herringbone wood ceiling in the dining room and switchback stairwell

in the entry, both of which add to the home's architectural interest. The semi-open concept gives the feel of individual rooms, with a kitchen that is adjacent to the living and dining rooms rather than in a row or square. Clean lines were chosen over arches; modern lighting became a focal point; and lighter flooring runs the expanse of the home. Additionally, almost everything had a place before construction began. “I’ve collected a lot of nice pieces

through the years, so I designed them into the space and that helped with sizing the rooms,” Mona notes. Even the artwork found a home while walls were still going up.

“Literally, when I moved in I knew where I was going to hang everything—and I have a lot of art,” she says. Between paring down for the move to her last house and merging her things with Dick’s before coming here, Mona confesses there isn't anything in this house that she doesn’t love. AH

MADE TO ORDER

The dining room was drawn to accommodate Mona’s table, chairs, and sideboard—pieces she loved and wanted to make work in the new home. Similarly, the antique mirror had been used in other rooms of her previous houses but found a prominent place here. Its ornate frame and the collection of traditional blue-and-white ginger jars are juxtaposed with a contemporary gold chandelier and a new pair of alabaster lamps. Friend and Providence employee Zac Woodiel painted the abstract roses seen at the far end of the space. “I had that canvas and it was the right size, but I didn’t love its painting,” Mona explains. “I took pictures of everything that was going in here and told Zac I wanted roses because I didn’t have anything like that. I love how it turned out; it pulls everything together,” she says.

HIS HAVEN

Favorite albums collected through the years bring personality to the walls of Dick’s office. Mona recalls the two spending a night framing the selections. “We had a lot of fun. With every album, Dick would say, Alexa, play so-andso.” Mona paired these and other meaningful pieces with a contemporary desk and upholstered chair in the black-walled room.

“Tricorn

Black” Sherwin-Williams

“If you’re going to build a home and it be current, it’s going to have some trends— but I try to stay away from being trendy. ”

—Mona Thompson Phelan

CLASSIC + CONTEMPORARY

An artfully curated mix of time-honored pieces and contemporary flair is on display in the living room. Designed to accommodate a beloved pair of antique chests that have seen life in Mona’s past three homes, the front wall is centered on a clean-lined, unadorned fireplace surround that balances the look. Wanting to bring in a rich hue, Mona opted for a pair of evergreen armchairs. “Everyone is more about color now, and I tried to bring that in with those,” she says. The black square coffee table and cowhide rug also make a more current contribution to the overall aesthetic. “If you’re going to build a home and it be current, it’s going to have some trends—but I try to stay away from being trendy,” Mona adds.

DINNER WITH A VIEW

The kitchen design hinged on giving the couple the largest window possible to provide a view of the wooded backyard. Working with numerous clients on white kitchens, Mona found she wanted one of her own. “I have never had a white kitchen, but I didn’t want just a white kitchen,” she says. She brought in warmth through a singular beam, light woods, and an artisan subway tile that frames the window. Opting for a layout with a large island rather than a breakfast nook, the couple share their meals at the bar. “It’s interesting that when we go out, we eat at the bar almost every time,” she says.

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

As functional as it is attractive, a working pantry extends off the kitchen. A mix of glass-front cabinetry and panels give space for displaying china and crystal collections as well as tucking away small appliances. A connector to the outdoor areas, it can also act as a bar or serving space when the couple hosts friends.

IN THE TREES

Considering square footage, Mona and her team maximized the bath’s floor plan, placing his-and-hers vanities opposite the tub to take advantage of the natural light. Scalamandre’s “Raphael” fills the walls while neutral curtains open to reveal a private view of the property. “I just love the tree pattern on the walls because we are right in the middle of the woods,” Mona says of the fitting selection. Patterned porcelain floors, marble counters, and gold finishes raise the elegance factor.

CALMING TREND

Mona and builder Bill Parkinson incorporated beams in the primary bedroom, a feature she had used only in her past homes’ gathering spaces. These, along with the traditional four-poster bed, are juxtaposed with contemporary lighting and a pair of upholstered Lucite benches. While Mona has long had an affinity for blue, their suite is one of the only places this serene shade of the color makes an appearance.

Design Resources

ARCHITECT Colley Burrow, AIA, Fennell Purifoy Architects

BUILDER Bill Parkinson, Parkinson Building Group INTERIOR DESIGN Mona Thompson Phelan and Kimberly Mannis, Providence Design LANDSCAPE DESIGN The Good Earth Garden Center ACCESSORIES, BEDDING, FABRICS, FURNITURE, LIGHTING, MIRRORS, AND WALLPAPER

Providence Design APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More

BRICK AND STONE Antique Brick & Block CABINETRY, FIXTURES, AND HARDWARE Duke Custom Cabinets COUNTERTOPS Pacific Shore Stones COUNTERTOPS (FABRICATION) Stone World Designs FIREPLACE Olympia Stone FLOORING AND TILE ProSource of Little Rock

IRONWORK Iron Paws by Anthony Billingsley WINDOWS AND DOORS Lumber 1 Home Center WINDOW COVERINGS MM Custom

With their children in mind, a central Arkansas couple builds a rural home they’ll love for years to come

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK

SouthernStyle

Family was at the heart of the design of this newly constructed home on the outskirts of west Little Rock. Drawn to a natural setting where their kids could enjoy the outdoors and spend time with neighboring cousins, the owners began to think about what their “forever home” could be. “A lot of the inspiration came from homes I grew up in,” the owner says. “My childhood house had a huge wraparound porch, and my grandparents’ had a screened porch where we loved to hang out,” she adds, pointing to the spaces she now enjoys with her own family. While growing up, she also developed a passion for sketching houses. “My hobby was drawing homes.

I feel like I started drawing this house when I was a kid and it culminated here.”

In seeking a team to bring their dream to life, the homeowners started with builder Richard Harp, who built their first home when they married almost 20 years ago. “We became close friends with him and [his wife] Brandy, so there was no one else we would have turned to,” the owner says. Knowing the family well, Richard was able to envision how they would live in the space and make helpful suggestions for the floor plan and materials. “It’s a refreshing design; it’s not overdone,” Richard says. He built dedicated features wherever possible, including feeding drawers for the family pets, an

The home’s exterior features a spacious front porch reminiscent of the owner’s childhood home. Landscaping by Parker Landscape & Design will continue to complement the classic architecture as it matures over time.

With a lifelong love of books, carving out an upstairs reading nook was a priority for the owner. It holds antique books from her family alongside more modern favorites. “It’s my happy place!” she says.

infrared sauna in the primary bath, and plenty of large windows to bring in the natural light they crave. There’s even a secret room that’s a nod to the family’s love of visiting escape rooms.

The feeling of their home was an important aspect they considered as well. “We wanted to create a peaceful, relaxing, and uplifting house—because life is stressful enough,” the owner says. After following Katie Rees on Instagram and visiting a friend’s house that she had designed, an eminent connection was made. “I said, Can we just copy and paste what you did there? ” the owner says with a laugh, referring to her friend’s home. “Katie’s team, her style—it was a no-brainer to hire her.” To create this serene environment, Katie employed a muted color palette throughout the house and familiar, timeless pieces. “They wanted a very Southern, classic look with details that wouldn’t go out of style,” the designer says, pointing to features like the wood inlay on the coffered ceilings and traditional furnishings. “We all knew each other from the get-go, and both the family and Katie are grateful, appreciative people, which makes the process so enjoyable,” Richard says of the build that was completed in 2022.

“Before we moved here, my kids would plant in front of the TV or play video games, but now they are always outside riding bikes or playing with the cousin crew,” the owner says. “We really wanted to capture that for their childhood; it’s been exactly what we dreamed of.” AH

From the entry and hallways to built-in storage cabinets in the living room, arches are a repeated theme that manifests the home’s classic style.

Styling by Angela Alexander

PALETTE PERFECTED

From the home’s entry, you can see into the living room (opposite) and adjoining kitchen where muted, earthy shades of blue and pink add vibrancy to its white and cream base. “Overall, they wanted the house to feel neutral, but these were colors she was drawn to,” Katie says. The designer notes the fabric on one of the sofa’s pillows and the artwork by April Atchley incorporate all of the hues. The pair of benches can pull double duty as ottomans or extra seating for a crowd.

NOW WE ’ RE COOKING

The family’s previous kitchen was more closed off and separated from the living area. “I didn’t want to be all by myself in there, so making this open was important,” the owner says. The blue hue on the island was pulled from the colors used in the adjoining living room. “It’s a little pop of color without overwhelming the space,” Katie says. The designer selected slipcovered barstools that are easy to toss in the laundry as needed.

Katie separated the bar and serving area from the rest of the kitchen by opting for glass-front panels that give visual interest and provide display space.

PORCH LIVING

“They wanted a very Southern, classic look with details that wouldn’t go out of style.”

—Katie Rees, designer

The home’s rural setting makes the screened porch an ideal retreat, and thanks to fans and heaters it’s usable almost year-round. Furnishings define separate areas for dining and lounging. A swing bed from local craftsman Nate & Lane hangs in the far corner, giving space to rock and enjoy a view of the wooded property.

CASUAL DINING

“She didn’t want the dining room to be too formal,” Katie says. “They wanted it to feel like another cozy spot in the home.” Materials such as shiplap, the striped fabric on the chairs, and vintage black-and-white botanicals help accomplish this. Sliding doors open to the screened porch area, allowing the outdoors to become an extension of the home.

The kitchen’s tongue-and-groove ceiling extends into the breakfast nook where Katie paired a round table from the family’s previous home with new chairs and a more contemporary light fixture.

SERENE SANCTUARY

Blue accents—including the fabrics, chests, and a commissioned piece from local artist Heike Talbert—add to the primary bedroom’s calming feel. The coffered ceiling treatment seen in the living room was echoed here to bring warmth and ground the design. Katie notes the large space allowed for two sitting areas, which add to its coziness.

FRESH AND CLEAN

Wrapped in neutrals, the primary bath is as peaceful as it is functional. A pony wall conceals a shower bench and storage for toiletries while also separating the shower from the freestanding tub. His-and-hers vanities are on opposite sides of the shower, allowing for a symmetrical layout.

BLUSHING BEAUTY

Pops of soft pink are a hallmark of the couple’s daughter’s bedroom, where built-ins for storage and organization were a functional priority. “When kids are in the preteen stage, it’s a goal of mine to create a space they will like for years to come,” Katie says, pointing to the neutral backdrop that can be updated with accessories as the girl’s tastes evolve.

Design Resources

BUILDER Richard Harp, Richard Harp Homes DRAFTSMAN Jim Johnston INTERIOR DESIGN Katie Rees, Katie Grace Designs LANDSCAPE DESIGN Jordan Parker, Parker Landscape & Design ACCESSORIES, BEDDING, AND LIGHTING Katie Grace Designs APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More ART Emily Cobb, Katie Grace Designs, Chelsea McShane, and Heike Talbert BRICK AND

STONE Antique Brick & Block CABINETRY Capitol Cabinets COUNTERTOPS Stone World Designs FABRICS Designer Effects and Katie Grace Designs FIXTURES Westlake Plumbing FLOORING AND TILE ProSource of Little Rock FURNITURE Cobblestone & Vine, Katie Grace Designs, and Providence Design GLASS West Little Rock Glass MILLWORK Victor Rivera WINDOWS AND DOORS Pella

2024 HOME PROS BEST

Thinking of starting a renovation project or new build?

Refer to this list of trusted home professionals—all nominated by At Home in Arkansas readers

Photos by Rett Peek

APPLIANCES

Johnston’s Home Center

Lumber 1 Home Center

Metro Appliances & More

AUDIOVISUAL

Beyond Sound & Security

Complete Audio Visual

Omni Tech Solutions

BRICK & BLOCK

ABC Block & Brick

Acme Brick Tile & Stone

Antique Brick & Block

BUILDERS

Bosley Construction

Brandon Schrock Custom Homes

Buffington Homes

Carl Gray Henson Builders

Curtis Contracting

Dillon Homes

Graham Smith Construction

Hines Homes

Jon Callahan Construction

Martin Building Group

Parkinson Building Group

Randy Wiggins Company

Richard Harp Homes

River Valley Builders

RQM Homes

Shepard Home Builders

Summerwood Homes

Taggart Design Group

CLOSETS & ORGANIZATION

About Space Organizing

Closet Factory

The Marshall Concept

Organize & Prioritize

Whit’s End

COUNTERTOPS

Affordable Granite and More

Alpha Countertops

Countertop World

Design 1

Emcar Stone Studio

New Century Countertops

Pacific Shore Stones

Triton Stone Group

DECORATIVE PAINTING

AF Decorative

Phinality Design

FENCING & IRONWORK

Bill’s Fence

Ingle Fence Company

Iron Paws by Anthony Billingsley

Luxury Iron of Arkansas

United Fence & Construction

FLOORING

Acme Brick Tile & Stone

Akel’s Carpet One Floor & Home

American Restoration Tile

Arnold’s Flooring America

C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery

Design 1

Kaufman By Design West

ProSource of Little Rock

Rock Solid Designs

Townzen Tile

FURNITURE & DECOR

501 Faire

Abide Furniture

Art of Design

Bear Hill Interiors

Blu D’or Interiors

Cantrell Furniture Design Center

Casey Sarkin Home

Cobblestone & Vine

Cost Plus Furniture Warehouse

ConsignDesign of Little Rock

Debi Davis Interior Design

FIG Modern

The French Cottage mertinsdykehome

MOD Maverick Studio

Providence Design

GARAGE DOORS

Benton County Overhead Doors

Coney’s Garage Doors

Harmon Overhead Door

Royal Overhead Door

KITCHEN & BATH SHOWROOMS

Design 1

Distinctive Kitchens & Baths

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

Kitchen & Bath Ideas

Kitchen Distributors

Kitchen Tune-Up

PC Hardware

Restructure Design

Sanders Supply

Southern Bath & Kitchen

LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS & GARDEN CENTERS

Better Lawns & Gardens

Botanica Gardens

DK Design

Eminent Terrain

The Good Earth Garden Center

Ground Effects Landscaping

Lumber 1 Home Center

Parker Landscape & Design

Plantopia

Westwood Gardens

LIGHTING & LAMPS

Design 1

GW Lighting and Home

Hearth & Home

Kaufman By Design West

Light Innovations

Lighting Emporium

Quintessential Lighting

Sanders Supply

The Shade Above

TEC Electric

LUMBER

CJ Horner Co.

Kaufman Lumber

Lumber 1 Home Center

Meek’s

Ridout Lumber

MIRRORS & GLASS

Ace Glass

Bentonville Glass

Conway Glass

El Dorado Glass & Overhead Door

Fayetteville Glass Co.

Jones Glass

Sherwood Glass & Mirror

Soos Stained Glass

West Little Rock Glass

PAINT

CertaPro Painters

PPG Paints

Sherwin-Williams

Spectrum Paint

POOLS & SPAS

Aquatic Oasis Pools & Spas

Diamond Pools

Elite Pools by Aloha

Luxury Pool & Spa

Megalodon Pools

R & R Pools

Seaside Pools & Spas

Tallulah Pools

REMODEL CONTRACTORS

Curtis Contracting

Douglas Stanton Architects

Janacek Construction

Leigh Lusk Interiors

Parkinson Building Group

River Valley Builders

Superior Construction

WillMark Homes

AFFORDABLE GRANITE

Q. Is installation included in the price per square foot?

Yes, our price per square foot includes stone material, custom templates, fabrication, and installation.

Q. Do you offer demolition and disposal of old materials prior to installation?

Yes! We do charge an itemized fee based on the type of material being removed.

Q. Does the client pay for the entire slab for a project? No, only the portion that is installed into your home.

Q. Do you travel to clients outside the central Arkansas area?

Yes, we travel as far as 3 hours away for installation.

ROOFING & GUTTERS

Bray Sheet Metal

Best Choice Roofing

Collins and Son Roofing

Cougill Roofing

Freedom Contracting and Roofing

LeafGuard of Arkansas

Pro Roofing & Remodel

Reliant Roof Pros

Sierra Group Roofing & Solar

Southern Roofing and Renovations

Top Notch Roofing & Remodeling

WINDOWS & DOORS

CJ Horner Co.

Elite Entries Iron Doors

Design 1

Kaufman By Design

Manhattan Steel Door & Window Co.

Parker Windows & Doors

Pella

Ridout Lumber

Royal Windows & Doors

Windows, Doors & More

WINDOW COVERINGS

Budget Blinds

Cynthia East Fabrics

Designer Effects

Interior Fabrics & Design

Made in the Shade

MM Custom

Selah Design Studio

Simply Charming Window Works and Design

Thanks to our readers for nominating their favorite home professionals in this section. Keep an eye on athomearkansas.com/nominate for future opportunities to nominate your favorite Arkansas businesses.

Design

Acme Brick Company’s new Virtual Mason makes it easy to compare brick colors side by side, in seconds. Choose an exterior or a room scene. Then select a brick color and click the word “Build” to see the result. Now comes the fun part: Click the “Material B” tab, pick a different brick, and click “Build.” See the divider in the middle of the view? You can move it back and forth with a swipe of your

Brick

mouse, or your finger!

But don’t stop there. Select mortar, trim and roof colors. Click the “Build” button after every selection. When you’re done, you can save the A and B renderings as separate PDF files.

Virtual Mason runs on your web browser - no app to download. Find your perfect color scheme, at brick.com/vm.

LITTLE ROCK

The Good Earth Garden Center

The Good Earth Garden Center has been bringing outdoor-living dreams to life since 1974. “Landscapes are natural extensions of our homes, and creating outdoor spaces that enhance the lives of each client’s family has been our honor for over 50 years,” says landscape services coordinator Zak Grothe. Their team of experienced landscape architects and designers listen to each client’s dreams and carefully assesses the site to visualize all the possibilities. Then, knowledgeable

501-868-4666

thegoodearthgarden.com

project managers oversee the build process from beginning to end, ensuring their innovative designs are implemented thoughtfully. Their expertise in both the design and build aspects of landscaping results in outdoor spaces that flow from the home into the natural surroundings with graceful intent. When fitting, they enjoy incorporating indigenous stone to transform topography challenges into artful features. “We look forward to partnering with you!” Zak says.

@thegoodearthgardencenter

Onyx Coffee Lab Headquarters

also known as the Dollar Saver building

WRITER REBEKAH HALL SCOTT ILLUSTRATOR BAILEY DOUGAN

From its proud position in downtown Rogers, the rambling building at 101 E. Walnut St. has long served as a bustling center of trade for the community. Built in 1907 by John Mylar, the large structure features pressed red brick, limestone headers, and two large skylights. It originally housed Rogers Wholesale Grocery, with office space in the front and a large warehouse on the north end. At the time, trains delivered all merchandise to loading docks on the east and west sides.

Since then, the building has been home to Rogers Light and Water, Griffin Wholesale Grocery, Outlet Salvage, and the Dollar Saver, whose faded emblem still remains atop the entrance. This history—and the building’s sprawling size—appealed to Onyx Coffee Lab, who purchased the site in 2018 to serve as their headquarters.

“We needed about 20,000 square feet, which is quite

large,” says Jon Allen, owner of the Arkansas-based coffee brand. He was also looking for a space with a large basement that could accommodate storing green coffee prior to roasting. During renovations, Jon and his team unearthed a few local “treasures,” including old door hardware and handles that they reappropriated, as well as tickets from a boxing ring once located in the Opera House building down the street. Jon decided to keep the Dollar Saver sign as a nod to the building’s history, of which they’re proud to be a part. “Being in the heart of downtown feels really important to us,” he says. “It’s a sort of third gathering place—we joke about it and say, Come loiter here. I think there’s something fun about its history as a trading post and a community gathering spot. Whatever the modern equivalent of that is, that’s what we’re hoping to create here.”