MARCH 2015
www.athomearkansas.com
play
walk
Live. From natural landscapes to wonderful amenities, the neighborhoods of Chenal Valley bring to life everything you could dream of in a community. Surrounded by green belts, walking trails and 36 holes of picturesque golf, this amazing community makes coming home more like a walk in the park. To begin your search for a new lot or home in Chenal Valley, go to Chenal.com.
Life happens here.
home
get ready for
Summer!
PRE-SEASON SAVINGS! CONWAY, AR Harkrider & Second Street • 501.327.6523 www.h3homedecor.com
the New look of home furnishings
Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Sunday
family fun in your own backyard
21941 Interstate 30 • Bryant, AR 72022 •
501.847.6990
• jeffselfpoolsandspas.com
TED
ROO
00
E 20
SINC
we don't just say local
WE DO LOCAL Rooted in Arkansas. Blooming with community.
Some restaurants are local because they are located here, in Arkansas. Our restaurants are local because we choose to serve locally grown foods as much as possible, partner with Arkansas farms in planning future growth and participate in the food community in a consistent and meaningful way.
Thank you to the Arkansas farmers, big and small, for investing in the future of our food community and local economy. Thank you to the growing number of restaurants and stores that choose to serve locally produced foods. And thank you, all of our guests, for choosing to dine with us. Let’s get growing Arkansas!
FINE SALAD & WOOD-OVEN PIZZA CO.
ZazaPizzaAndSalad.com
BigOrangeBurger.com
LocalLimeTaco.com
For a list of the farmers we are currently working with visit ZazaPizzaAndSalad.com/about
CONTENTS M A R C H 2 015
46 Home
Style
Exterior designer Daniel Keeley transforms a landscape that overlooks the Arkansas River Valley
À la Pastel
46 A Valley View 56 One Garden, M any Pleasures
Intimate nooks mix with accommodating common areas and lush evergreen foliage to create a backyard with beauty at every turn
62 To Each Her Own
Three Arkansas women share their inviting outdoor retreats
Special Section 68 Local Favorites
Pool and Landscape Professionals
11 Finds 14 L atest
Design Openings, Arrivals & Launches
17 Design Stepping Out
Life
24 H appenings
Events in the Natural State
27 Discover
Spotlight on Jonesboro
31 Flavor
The New Brew in Town
36 Beauty Garden Fresh
38 Entertaining Ready, Set, Spring 4 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
In Every Issue
8 A Note from the Editor in Chief 72 End Notes
on the cover
The garden of designer Melissa Haynes’s home. Photography by Rett Peek. See page 38. Vol. 20, No. 2 © 2015 by Root Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. At Home in Arkansas™ (ISSN 1540-8914, USPS# 020-999) is published 11 times a year (January/February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December) by Root Publishing, Inc., 2207 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, AR 72202. Periodicals Postage Rates are Paid at Little Rock, AR and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to At Home in Arkansas™; 2207 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, AR. Return Undeliverable to Publisher.
Time to Relax... Outdoors
Huge selection of outdoor furnishings available for immediate delivery.
Come see us at our NEW LOCATION! Pleasant Valley Plaza • 11220 N Rodney Parham, Suite 14 501.663.1818 • kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com
Casual Furniture • Wicker • Interior Barstools Gas Logs • Grills • Accessories
@athomearkansas.com On the Web this Month...
PUBLISHER Kelly Fraiser (ext. 12) kelly@athomearkansas.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Chip Jones (ext. 11) chip@athomearkansas.com
GET THE RECIPE FOR DESIGNER JANA HUNTER’S ORANGE BASIL MOJITO. See the story on page 62.
Art director Mandy Keener (ext. 10) mandy@athomearkansas.com MANAGING EDITOR Tiffany Burgess Adams (ext. 15) tiffany@athomearkansas.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laura LaRue llarue@athomearkansas.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Matthew Martin, Nancy Nolan, Rett Peek ONLINE CONTENT EDITOR Ashley Gill ashley@athomearkansas.com senior Account Executive Jennifer Hay (ext. 14) jennifer@athomearkansas.com Account Executive Emilie Head (ext. 16) emilie@athomearkansas.com
Speak up and tell us what you love about Arkansas in our Local Favorites poll!
MARKETING COORDINATOR Debbie Tissue (ext. 13) dtissue@athomearkansas.com
facebook.com/athomearkansas
athomearkansas.com/local-favorites
pinterest.com/athomearkansas
CURB APPEAL CONTEST RETURNS! Enter to win a professional spruce-up for your home, by chris h. olsen. Submissions accepted through May 1. Visit athomearkansas.com to learn more. 6 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
@athomearkansas
@athomearkansas
How To Reach Us 2207 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, AR 72202 501-666-5510
athomearkansas.com SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: Call 800.927.6847 or subscribe online at www.athomearkansas.com. Annual subscription rate: $15.00. Canada and Mexico add $24.00 per year. Single copy price: $3.95 plus shipping and handling.
PRESIDENT Kelly Fraiser Circulation manager Kurt Coey Newsstand Manager Bob Moenster
Bring your style outside
WWW.PAULMICHAELCOMPANY.COM
800.732.3722 | LAKE VILLAGE, AR
From The Editor in Chief
The March issue is quickly becoming one of my favorite issues of the year. Perhaps it is because I love gardening, and I love scouting out the best gardens to feature in this issue. I come from a long line of garden lovers. I remember when I was younger I didn’t exactly have an appreciation—or a knack—for gardening. I spent most summers as a child at my maternal grandparents’ 140-acre farm, where the vegetable garden was the center of attention. Here, I played my way through the long, hot summer days, staying outside until the darkness or mosquitos had chased me indoors. I would run down the garden’s center path, which was lined with butterfly-laden marigolds to the barns where the animals were kept—most times to climb into the hayloft and lose myself in a world of childhood fantasy. Each time I now see or smell a marigold, those wonderful memories come rushing back and transport me to that magical place which only lives in my memory now. I think that is the first real memory I have of loving a garden, and it is a place that I will always cherish as one of the most beautiful and important spaces in the world. Thanks to my job, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to walk behind walls and fences to preview some of the most beautiful gardens and outdoor living spaces one could ever imagine. And, this month’s issue is the unveiling of some of my favorites. For me, it isn’t always the gardens that come with the greatest impact for drama and visual “wow,” but rather the ones that touch the soul and unveil the owner’s personality and passion. I hope this issue is a reminder that you don’t have to own acres of land to garden and enjoy living outside. Find a space that calls you to come and spend some time there, a place to create a bit of joy and possibly a memory that you may carry throughout your life.
Chip Jones Editor in Chief chip@athomearkansas.com
8 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
photography: NANCY NOLAN
“You don’t have to own acres of land to garden and enjoy living outside.”
Interior Fabrics and Design // IF&D HOME have combined to offer over 10,000 square feet for a one-stop shopping experience for your home.
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10 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Style
DÉCOR & DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK
T H E L AT EST I N
Works by Arkansas artist Sandy Newberg set the tone for this chic design. Photographed on location at White Goat in Little Rock. All items available at White Goat, Conway, (501) 504-6643, Little Rock, (501) 603-9460, whitegoatstyle.com 11
Style/Finds
Ă€ la Pastel
Home accessories in soft shades are a light and refreshing treat for any room PRODUCER Mandy Keener PHOTOGRAPHY Matthew Martin
Ornate white frame. Tipton & Hurst, locations throughout Central Arkansas, (501) 666-3333, tiptonhurst.com
Ice blue glass bowl. Christopher Allen DĂŠcor, Fayetteville, (479) 301-2055, christopherallendecor.com White-and-seafoamgreen, diamondpatterned vase. Bella Boutique, Little Rock, (501) 603-5373
Crackle-glazed aqua candlestick. Vivid Designs, Little Rock, (501) 225-3828
Velvet pillow with wisteria design. Marshall Clements, Little Rock, (501) 663-1828, West Little Rock, (501) 954-7900, marshallclements.com
Glass knot sculpture. Emporium Home Heights, Little Rock, (501) 376-4663, emporiumhome.com
12 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Custom Outdoor Kitchens • Grills • Fire Pits • Patios • Stone • Outdoor Living Countertops • Kitchens • Baths • Tile • Granite • Marble • Design
EFFECTS
OUTSIDE EFFECTS
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Creating the Best Effects, Inside and Out!™
PROFESSIONAL GRILLS
5050 Northshore Lane • North Little Rock, AR • 501.954.8866 InsideEffects.com • OutsideEffects.com
Mona Thompson & Talena Ray 2212 Cantrell Road | 501.372.1886 | M-F 10-5 providenceltddesign.com | March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 13
Style/Latest
Phoenix Interiors Expands
LET’s GO SHOPPING!
West Little Rock’s Phoenix Interiors recently took over an adjacent building to add 3,000 square feet to their existing showroom. The new space, which totals over 9,000 square feet, has allowed owners Linda and Jerry Tedder to increase the home design store’s offerings. You’ll continue to find great lines such as CR Laine, Sherrill, Century, and other American-made upholstery companies along with a few new brands. Whether you need help with a paint color, furniture placement, or if you are building your dream home, visit Phoenix Interiors for an interior design consultation that can help you every step of the way. 12315 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501) 225-0400
Interior Fabrics and Design Adds Space
New to Little Rock: THE TILE Shop
Fayetteville’s Interior Fabrics and Design has doubled the square footage at their popular retail store. With the newly expanded showroom, they have more than 400 new bolts of fabric, giving their customers more than 1,000 fabric choices in one convenient location. They also offer wallpaper, including lines such as Schumacher and Ralph Lauren, as well as a large selection of drapery hardware. Interior Fabrics and Design will continue to create custom fabric headboards, drapery panels, bedding, pillows, and more in their workroom. Owner Patricia Clinton looks forward to working with customers and offering them a “onestop shopping experience for all things home.” 4155 North Steele Boulevard, Fayetteville, (479) 444-0222
A New Destination for Tile
Little Rock has a new source for the latest in tile offerings. The Tile Shop recently opened in the shopping center located at the intersection of Markham and Rodney Parham (next to Mid-Towne Antique Mall, PC Hardware, and Light Innovations). The stunning showroom features 45 full-scale vignettes that allow customers to not only see how the tile looks in a setting, but also to touch the product, walk on it, and truly try it out before making a decision to purchase. Offerings include travertine, marble, granite, slate, and manmade selections of glass, ceramic, and porcelain tile. The store is open Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., making it convenient to shop for all your tile needs. 105 North Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 954-7637, tileshop.com 14 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING!
Dreaming of an organized mudroom?
Call for your FREE design consultation 2216 Cantrell Road • Little Rock 501.907.7105 // 866.833.2105
Proudly Organizing Arkansans’ Homes for Over 12 Years! closetfactory.com • facebook.com/closetfactoryarkansas March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 15
Complete Systems & Scheduled Treatments
Call Today for a Free Estimate! (501) 978-BUZZ New Shield Shades Available in various sizes. We can apply your fabric selection.
License #LH618
The Shade Above Lighting Collection
Lamp Shades • Lamp Repair • Custom Lamps • Accessories 2208 Cantrell Rd • Near Cajun’s • Little Rock • 501.374.3555 theshadeabove@gmail.com
16 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
WWW.BUZZFREEARKANSAS.COM
Style/Design
Stepping Out
There’s simply no excuse for staying inside! Create an atmosphere to suit your style with these furnishings and accessories—all made for living outdoors Producer Ashley Gill Photography Matthew Martin and Courtesy of Vendors
“Falls Village Stripe” indoor/outdoor rug by Dash & Albert. Cobblestone & Vine, cobblestoneandvine.com; House to Home, shophousetohome.com; Lewis Lighting & Home, lewislightingandhome.com
The “Croquet Teak” collection by Summer Classics. Antique Brick & Block, antiquebrickinc.com; Burton Pools & Spas, burtonpools.com; Environments by Arkansas Pools & Spas, arpoolspa.com
Vintage-inspired, spouted metal can. The Good Earth Garden Center, thegoodearthgarden.com
Indoor/outdoor accent pillows. Antique Brick & Block, antiquebrickinc.com
Glass lanterns with rope handles. Paul Michael Company, paulmichaelcompany.com
Red Adirondack EnviroWood recycled material chair by Seaside Casual, also available with foot stool or as a rocking chair. Congo Fireplace & Patio, congofp.com March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 17
Style/Design Indoor/outdoor area rug in diamond geometric pattern by Dash & Albert. Cobblestone & Vine, cobblestoneandvine. com; House to Home, shophousetohome.com; Lewis Lighting & Home, lewislightingandhome.com
The “Royal Plantation” collection by Lane Venture. Congo Fireplace & Patio, congofp.com; Ken Rash’s, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com
Japanese ginger jar in copper bronze reactive glaze by Global Views. About Vase, aboutvase. com; Bear-Hill Interiors, bearhillinteriors.com; Cobblestone & Vine, cobblestoneandvine.com; Harper Howey Interiors, (479) 750-7300; La-ZBoy Furniture Galleries, la-z-boy.com/littlerock; mertinsdykehome, mertinsdykehome.com
LUSH LUXE Magenta “Tilda” throw by Surya. Ashley Furniture HomeStore, ashleyfurniture. com; Bassett Home Furnishings, bassettfurniture.com; Harris Furniture, harrisfurniture.com; La-Z-Boy, la-z-boy.com/littlerock
Natural teak drink cart with faux zinc accents by Bunny Williams Home. Available to the trade
Manhattan Swivel Stool. Paul Michael Company, paulmichaelcompany.com
18 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
4330 Central Ave., Suite H - Hot Springs, AR 501-365-2778 5730 Blackland Rd. - Pleasant Plains, AR 501-345-8888
Arkansas’ largest selection of grills, smokers & bbq accessories
www.congofp.com
GOOD ARTH
LITTLE ROCK’S #1
THE
Monday-Saturday 10 am - 6 pm SouthernCreekFurniture.com
landscape planning & installation . outdoor lighting . outdoor kitchens & fireplaces . maintenance . mosquito misting systems
Rustic Elegance
15601 Cantrell Road Little Rock, Arkansas
501-868-4666
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 19
Style/Design
The “Savannah” collection by Brown Jordan. Ken Rash’s, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com; Pollards, (870) 933-9711
Duralee indoor/outdoor upholstery fabric with delicate trellis pattern. Designer Effects, (501) 661-4070
“Berry & Thread” hand-cast aluminum tray by Juliska. Fifth Season, fifthseason.com Cast-resin sculptural bowl accessory by Oly Studio. Bear-Hill Interiors, bearhillinteriors.com
Hamptons Gardens by Jack deLashmet, featuring photography by Mary Ellen Bartley and Doug Young. Emporium Home Heights, emporiumhome.com “River Run” side table in faux birch by Woodard Furniture. Congo Fireplace & Patio, congofp.com
20 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
melissahaynesdesign.com
the
www.light-innovations.com
It’s all inMake a
It’s firstall in
Finish Finish Impression the
GOLD RUSH Dull is officially boring. This season, home interiors are all about metallic gold textures. Don’t be afraid to get busy with the shimmery shine of sophisticated gold chandeliers.
GOLD RUSH
Dull is officially boring. This season, home interiors are all about metallic gold textures. Don’t be afraid to get busy with the shimmery shine of sophisticated gold chandeliers.
501.223.9026 501.223.9026 8316 W. Markham - Little Rock 8316 W. Markham - Little Rock March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 21
Hand forged wrought iron doors Custom-built
to your preferences.
For a free consultation, please call 1-866-791-5835 Showroom visits by appointment 1502 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood
www.eliteirondoors.com
FOR ONE-OF-A-KIND STYLE and EXPERT DESIGN.
2826 E. Joyce Blvd. Suite 2 22 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Fayetteville, AR • 479-301-2055
Life
CEL EB R AT I N G YO U R L I FEST YL E
Designer Melissa Haynes invites us to a spring luncheon in her home’s courtyard. See page 38 for the full story.
23
Life/Happenings HEAR IT. SEE IT. EXPERIENCE IT.
Events From Around The Natural State Daffodil Days & Tulip Extravaganza
LANTERNS! Festival March 6-8 • Little Rock
GET OUT & ABOUT
Alive After Five Street Market
Back for its seventh year of family fun, this outdoor festival, held at Wildwood Park for the Arts, delights children and adults of all ages. Coinciding with the first full moon of the new lunar year, LANTERNS! offers an opportunity to stroll paved pathways through Wildwood’s 105-acre park and take in the lighted vistas, each of which represents one of six unique cultures from around the globe. Performances, games, and culinary options can be found throughout the park. The festival runs 6-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night, and 6-9 p.m. on Sunday. Advance purchase tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children, ages 6-12; $10 for adults, $5 for children, ages 6-12, at the door. Children 0-5 years are free of charge. (501) 821-7275, wildwoodpark.org
BEGINnING March 19 • Jonesboro
Head downtown to Huntington Avenue (between Main Street and Church Street), where you’ll find an array of vendors including farmer’s market produce, baked goods, art, home and garden décor, and artisan wares. Held March through November, the Downtown Jonesboro Association’s Alive After Five Street Market takes place on the third Thursday of each month from 5-8 p.m. Local shops, special guest attractions, and kid-friendly events are also a part of the fun. Admission is free of charge. (870) 919-6176, downtownjonesboro.com
A Grand New Entrance
On Wednesday, January 21, Cobblestone & Vine unveiled a newly redesigned entry at their Heights location. The space features wall-towall seagrass flooring, an eye-catching starburst mirror, and Quadrille wallpaper—which is hand-screened, hand-blocked, and can be ordered in any custom color. Head of Design, Lou Anne Herget, says the store wanted to update the space without losing any of its charm. Guests at the unveiling sipped on mimosas while learning more about the design. Cobblestone & Vine, Little Rock, (501) 664-4249, West Little Rock, (501) 219-3676, cobblestoneandvine.com
24 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Photography: Sherre Freeman (Garvan Woodland Gardens); Courtesy of Wildwood Park for the Arts
March – April • Hot Springs
It’s that time of year—colorful daffodils, azaleas, wildflowers, and 150,000 tulips are in bloom at Garvan Woodland Gardens. The annual event, which is sponsored by CHI St. Vincent, is open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. For peak bloom times, check the Gardens’ Facebook page. Free to members and children ages 0-5, $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-12; (800) 366-4664, garvangardens.org
Tree Trimming & Removal Excellent Clean Up
Free Estimates & Insured for Your Protection
Matt Marshall Owner-Operator
Let us “Arrest” your tree troubles
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570-0554 • www.treemarshall.com
tanarah Luxe · Floral · Life 5 01. 3 7 2 .14 0 0
Make your house a home 501.690.2234 • janahunter.com
TAN ARAHLUXEFLORAL.COM 2220 CANTRELL ROAD • LITTLE ROCK • 72202
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 25
2600 E. Highland Drive Jonesboro, AR 72401 (P) 870.932.8329 • (E) 870.932.4591
456 Southwest Drive | Jonesboro, AR 72401 420 S. Grove Park Road | Memphis, TN 38117
PROUDLY DELIVERING
UNIQUE
DREAM KITCHENS
THROUGHOUT
ARKANSAS
FOR OVER
35 YEARS
870-932-7638 · 800-832-2295 gilmoreskitchens.com
26 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Life/Discover
GILMORE’S CUSTOM KITCHENS
MID-SOUTH PLUMBING & ELECTRIC SUPPLY ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
JONESBORO
Known for its beautiful rural landscapes and the spirited Red Wolves of Arkansas State University, this Northeast Arkansas city is filled with charm. If you’re living in the area—or looking to move here—check out our go-to resources for all things home. Building or remodeling a home? Options abound when it comes to installing or updating a kitchen or bath, putting in new lighting, or purchasing new appliances. Visit the staff at Gilmore’s Custom Kitchens (870-932-7638, gilmoreskitchens. com) to create a kitchen that really cooks or a bath that inspires relaxation. Let their interior design and installation professionals take your project from a dream to reality with their knowledge, experience, and full-service, start-to-finish approach. Whether you’re looking to update with new appliances (they offer brands such as Viking, Wolf, Sub-Zero, and KitchenAid) or starting from scratch with new cabinetry and the works, Gilmore’s will assist you every step of the way to make the process easy and the results amazing.
Next, we suggest talking to the professionals at Mid-South Plumbing & Electric Supply (870-932-8329, plumbing division; 870-932-4591, electric division; midsouthplumbingandelectric. com) who have been in business for more than 50 years. Located in side-by-side storefronts, Mid-South Plumbing & Electric services the needs of both contractors and homeowners. From rough plumbing and electrical supplies to top-of-the-line fixtures, they carry it all. Browse their numerous books of specialorder light fixtures or shop their in-store selection of quality faucets, showerheads and tubs, including brands such as Kohler and Delta.
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 27
Life/Discover SYDNEY MURPHY DESIGN
Metro appliances & More
SWANK BLU D’OR INTERIORS
ENVIRONMENTS BY ARKANSAS POOLS AND SPAS
If you’re looking for a wide range of appliances, head to Metro Appliances & More (870-933-7800, metroappliancesandmore. com), an Arkansas staple that has been in business for more than 40 years. Located on East Parker Road, their spacious showroom features more than 40 different appliance brands, including KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and GE. Committed to giving you the best price and selection, Metro also offers delivery and installation of your new appliances, as well as haul-away for your old models. If you aren’t in the Jonesboro area, visit their website for a full list of their statewide locations. When the bones of your home are in place, and it’s time to add furniture, visit Swank (870-336-1620, pure-swank.com). Located at the Shoppes at Hilltop, Swank has everything you need to furnish a new home or give your existing one a refresh. They offer the latest in transitional-style furniture, lighting, and accessories and carry lines such as Surya and Jaipur Home, as well as easy-to-customize pieces from Bassett and Norwalk Furniture. Schedule a free interior design consultation to have their trained professionals come to your home, assess your needs, and find the pieces that suit your taste and lifestyle. 28 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Next, head to blu d’or Interiors—formerly That French Shoppe—(870-336-1435, bludorinteriors.com) for everything you need to make your house a home. Owner Leigh Montgomery has made the store a destination for gifts, décor, and amazing local art. Featuring lines such as Arteriors, Lee Industries, Mr. Brown, and luxurious Bella Notte Linens, the store’s gracious and fresh offerings have a traditional-meets-glam feel. If you’re in the market for an inspired piece of art, you’ll find pieces by regional artists Sarah Robertson and Sean Shrum, among others. Be sure to visit their second location in the Laurelwood Shopping Center next time you are in Memphis. Finally, with warmer weather on the horizon, you’ll want to visit Environments by Arkansas Pools and Spas (870935-1000, arpoolspa.com) for all things outdoor. With more than 40 years of experience, the team can help you customize your backyard with an above-ground pool, spa, an outdoor fireplace, or a new outdoor furniture set. They offer complete pool service, water testing, and maintenance supplies. Visit their 3,000-square-foot to see the huge selection of pool games and toys, fire pits, and outdoor accessories that can help to make your backyard the best room in the house.
Design in its PURest foRm
Swank’s Norwalk White Showroom is a blank canvas of design utilizing Swank’s designers and over 750 fabrics and leathers. It’s true American craftsmanship to design a custom creation that is uniquely your own.
3413 Southwest Drive • Jonesboro, AR 72404 870.935.1000 • arpoolspa.com
Come see us and like us on 3410 East Johnson |Jonesboro, AR 72404 | 870.336.1620
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 29
Taking your home from ordinary to extraordinary.
Phoenix Interiors
Specializing in Residential & Commercial Design 12315 Chenal Parkway • Little Rock • 501.225.0400 phoenixinteriors.webs.com
created by Lifestyle Guru and Master Designer
CHRIS H. OLSEN
BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY AT HOME IN ARKANSAS AND A HOST OF PARTICIPATING SPONSORS
Winning entry will receive an exterior makeover with products provided by local sponsors and appear in the August 2015 issue of At Home in Arkansas. For more information and restrictions, please go to our webpage athomearkansas.com 30 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Life/Flavor
The talents behind beloved Arkansas eateries such as Local Lime, Big Orange, and ZAZA, step onto the craft beer scene with a brewery and taproom—known as Lost Forty—that’s sure to become a new favorite hangout Story: Tiffany Adams Photography: Rett Peek Styling: Chip Jones & Mandy Keener
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 31
Life/Flavor
>>The Restaurant-Meets-Brewery Concept When you put Scott McGehee, John Beachboard, Russ McDonough, and Amber Brewer in one room, there’s bound to be something brewing. This time, the quartet behind some of central Arkansas’s favorite restaurants—who were joined by local businessman Albert Braunfisch for this venture—cooked up the idea to open a brewery and taproom known as Lost Forty Brewing. John and head brewer Dylan Yelenich actually started the brewing in John and his wife Amber’s garage. “They were having so much fun creating beers and new flavor profiles, they began to think about a large scale brewery,” says Amber, who serves as creative director of Yellow Rocket Concepts, a parent company for the group’s local eateries. “Scott and John and our team are seasoned in pleasing the palates of Arkansans with unique food and cocktail creations. Beer has always been a passion for them both, which led to learning to home brew, and now here we are. At Lost Forty, the taproom is a function of the brewery. It is a place for people to try what we are creating, where we are creating it, alongside food that highlights the attributes of the beers. Drinking in the taproom is akin to being in our lab,” she adds.
32 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
>>The Legend Lost Forty Brewing takes its name from 40 acres of virgin timber in Calhoun County, Arkansas. “Since we are all rooted in Arkansas and love our ‘natural state,’ we wanted to have a name that was representative of that,” Amber says. The story behind the existence of the Lost Forty reads like an Arkansas folktale: it’s got a little history, a little fiction, and a whole lot of hearsay. The legend goes that sometime during the great timber boom in Arkansas, land was being acquired very rapidly for clear cutting. When a local timber corporation obtained this particular plot of land for harvest, the survey provided by the landowner was mapped incorrectly. After years of failing to be marked for cutting and subsequently not cut, this swath of old-growth timber stood out to the local community and timber company as something special. The land was then placed in a trust by a timber company. Today, this property is home to the oldest and largest Loblolly Pine in the United States. The land is on a list of areas of interest in Arkansas and is co-managed by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC). In an effort to benefit and preserve their namesake forest and its history for future generations of Arkansans, Lost Forty Brewing, in conjunction with the ANRC, is creating a foundation that will be known as The Lost Forty Project. Proceeds from special events, artwork, and runs of limited edition beers will benefit the ANRC’s mission of preserving important natural places in Arkansas.
“We wanted to use as much oak and pine AS POSSIBLE because those are the two MOST PREVALENT trees in the Lost 40 ACREAGE.”
—Amber Brewer
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 33
>>The Décor and Details “You can’t fight a warehouse. I think it’s important to take note of where your space is located and the nature of what goes on in it. For us, we are in a warehouse in an industrial district, producing beer on a large scale, so I didn’t want to lose the element of industry and production that is inherent to this particular business and the area,” says Amber, who envisioned the identity of Lost Forty and designed the entire space. Pipework along the ceiling alludes to the plumbing lines necessary for a working brewery, while the awning over the bar was inspired by similar versions seen on buildings throughout the area. Factory-style windows—which were part of a firehouse in Pennsylvania and are one of the only things that did not come from Arkansas—allow customers to view the inner workings of the brewery, while enjoying a taste. Working with local craftsmen, she made every effort to use Arkansas-sourced and reclaimed materials. For example, other than the chairs, every piece of metal was either leftover from construction or was scrap metal. The tables and wall planks also bear testament to the brand’s roots. “We wanted to use as much oak and pine as possible because those are the two most prevalent trees in the Lost 40 acreage.” Small details including taps made from vintage woodworking, tree trimming, landscaping, and meat trimming tools, reinforce the industrial/ lumberjack vibe.
>>The Food & Drink As for the fare, Amber says the team ran with a “flavor profile that is a Delta Southern food and German beer hall mash-up,” meaning you’ll find dishes such as Gulf Shrimp Gumbo alongside House Made Smoked Kielbasa on the menu. What’s more, the food is as much of an art form as the beer. All of the sausage is made in-house, the pickling is done onsite, the brisket is smoked there, and local bakeries even use Lost Forty’s leftover grain in some of the breads they bake for the taproom. Finally, when it comes to the main attraction, on any given day, you can refresh your palate with the brewery’s four year-round beers—Love Honey bock, Bare Bones pilsner, Lost 40 pale ale, and Rockhound Imperial IPA—along with other seasonal offerings. If you’re lucky, you might catch them on a day when brewmaster Omar Castrellon is creating pilot batches, which are brewed and served to get feedback from patrons before brewing large-scale batches. “When patrons join us in the taproom, they become collaborators as well as guests—they are in our lab in a sense. All are invited to drink, eat, enjoy themselves, and give feedback about what they would like to see next. Taprooms are a critical part of engaging craft beer enthusiasts as well as newbies. The more energized Arkansans are about great local beer, the more Arkansas’s craft beer culture grows as a whole,” Amber says. 34 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
*THE ULTIMATE TASTE TEST: Order a flight—any four beers on tap—and you’ll receive a small glass of each one. It’s the perfect way to find your new favorite.
*fried italian bologna + EGG sandwich
*King forest stout mustard
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 35
Life/Beauty
1
sTOP AND SMELL THE ROSES!
2 3
4 5
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Garden Fresh
Embrace nature with floral-inspired scents, soaps, and lotions Producer Mandy Keener Photography Matthew Martin
1. Lollia “No. 19 Breathe” eau de parfum. Belle & Blush, Little Rock, (501) 448-2290, belleandblush.com 2. BarrCo. fine shea butter lotion. MOXY Modern Mercantile, Little Rock, (501) 374-2474 3. Illume “Cactus Verde” fine bath salts. Christopher Allen Décor, Fayetteville, (479) 301-2055, christopherallendecor.com 4. U.S. Apothecary “Rose Water” bubble bath. Pout, Little Rock, (501) 224-8222 5. U.S. Apothecary “Juniper and Geranium” therapeutic bar soap. Winterberry Home, Rogers, (479) 715-6009, winterberryhome.com 6. Lafco “Daffodil” bar soap. Bella Boutique, Little Rock, (501) 603-5373 36 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
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Other locations: Searcy, Hot Springs, Fayetteville, Springdale, Russellville, Harrison, Ft. Smith, Mablevale, Bossier City, Conway www.abcblock.com www.abcshowroom.com
March 2105 | athomearkansas.com 37
Life/Entertaining
Designer Melissa Haynes sets a graceful table for a luncheon at her Fayetteville home Story: Tiffany Adams Photogr aphy: Rett Peek Styling: Chip Jones
Clematis covers the iron arbor that frames the entrance to the parterre garden. Originating in France, parterre gardens are characterized by various plant beds, bordered with formal evergreen foliage, and often connected with pea gravel paths. Melissa notes that the arbor shown here is a transition from the more casual vegetable and herb garden, which is just outside the home’s kitchen, to the formal outdoor dining area. A row of four hornbeam trees, seen to the right of the dining table, adds to the elegance.
March 2105 | athomearkansas.com 39
40 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Life/Entertaining
says Melissa Haynes, who owns the Johnson-based MH Design, Inc. Case in point, the courtyard of her Fayetteville home, where terraces spill over with blooming containers, defined gathering spaces provide plenty of room for dining or relaxation, and a fully functional vegetable garden awaits just outside her kitchen. The home’s well-appointed parterre garden leads to the dining area, where the scene is set for this warm-weather gathering. “I like to keep things simple when I entertain,” Melissa says. “I let simple flowers and small details come together to create the look and feel.” For this get-together with friends, she went with a light palette of soft whites and creams accented with a blush pink and the garden’s abundant evergreen foliage. White basket-weave-patterned dinnerware pairs with rattan chargers and bamboo flatware for an unfussy, classic look. Blush water glasses, vintage gold-and-clear-glass salt and pepper shakers, and the setting’s pièce de résistance—a tablecloth made from Timothy Corrigan’s “Cap Ferrat” Schumacher fabric—all lend a feminine charm to the garden party. The fabric features a motif of pineapples and trelliswork, which Melissa had finished out with a caramel-colored border. “I wanted something along the edge that wouldn’t show dirt or a stain since it is being used in the garden,” she says of the practical touch. For lunch, guests dined on a spring split pea soup paired with a glass of rosé. “I like to keep the food manageable, so that it’s not a chore to entertain,” Melissa adds. It’s this laidback, yet seemingly carefully curated approach that make both the garden and the designer herself a pleasure to all who encounter them.
Pineapples: A Hospitable Motif Melissa selected the “Cap Ferrat” fabric—which is from Timothy Corrigan’s line with Schumacher—for the tablecloth. The design features floral patterns, trelliswork, and perhaps most predominantly, pineapples. The tropical fruit, which had to be imported from the Carribean islands during colonial days, was a rare treat for early settlers. When guests dined at a home where pineapple was served, they knew their hosts had spared no expense. Thus, pineapples came to be known as a welcoming symbol of good cheer. Today, the tradition continues with pineapples showing up in home features including door knockers, pathway markers, and, of course, on dining tables.
42 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
A Chat with Melissa Favorite flower: Peony Cloth linens or paper? Cloth! We use so few paper towels, which is a huge savings. Favorite season: Fall or spring, I get really excited about leaves turning and trees budding. Neutral or Bold? Neutral Ideal dish and cocktail pairing for a crowd: Keep it simple— artisanal cheese and a glass of wine.
Design Resources Designer Melissa Haynes, MH Design Inc., Johnson, (479) 286-2244, melissahaynesdesign.com Landscape architect Travis Brooks, Brooks Landscape Architecture, Fayetteville, (479) 387-1769 Fabric—tablecloth and napkins MH Design Inc., Johnson, (479) 286-2244, melissahaynesdesign.com Floral Flora, Fayetteville, (479) 442-7010, floranwa.com Tablecloth fabrication Mountjoy’s Custom Draperies, Mabelvale, (501) 455-2216
Palette you’re currently loving: I’m working on a master bedroom with hues of sienna and pale blush; it’s going to be beautiful!
1 year $10 Call 800.927.6847 {Use code QJF15}
44 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Home OUTDOOR ESCAPES
Lush gardens and a jaw-dropping view make for a stunning setting at a home that overlooks the Arkansas River Valley. Turn the page for the full story. 45
Story: Ashley Gill Photography: Nancy Nolan Styling: Mandy Keener
EXTERIOR DESIGNER Daniel Keeley reinvents the grounds of aN ENCHANTING property and inspires THE HOMEOWNERs to relish all the home that lives outside the house
46 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
The Clark family, along with their two German Shepherds, Chief and Ava, can enjoy a view of the Arkansas River Valley from the bluff’s edge. Low, tilted lounge chairs in pistachio green are the same style as those commonly found in Parisian parks, and they offer what designer Daniel Keeley calls a “funky and fun” alternative to Adirondack chairs. March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 47
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Arkansas River Valley, sits the home of Jamie and Steve Clark. For nine years now, the Clarks and their three children have lived in the stone house, which was built in 1927. After adding a new outdoor pavilion and renovating the pool area in 2011, they called on Daniel Keeley of DK Design to transform the landscape and outbuildings into usable, comfortable, and inviting living spaces—a true extension of their home. Definition, Please Though much forethought and care was clearly involved in the building of the house itself, the grounds remained largely uncultivated and unused. Even after the first phase of the 2011 renovation, Jamie says, “the pool was just totally exposed—everything around the pavilion just looked really bare.” With a mostly blank canvas, Daniel says he set out to “make the outdoor spaces work as well as indoor spaces in every way.” Because he “planned the exact placement of the furniture and plantings at the same time,” Daniel explains, he was able to maximize the symmetrical floorplan and give the space exactly the structure and movement he had envisioned. His approach to establishing clear definition from one “outdoor room” to the next had a huge impact, Jamie notes. “Each area is its own space now, and I love that—you feel secluded,” she adds. 48 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Making Accommodations “The style of their interiors is eclectic, so I knew I wanted the exterior to have plenty of personality, but in a big space—like the pool area—I didn’t want it to look messy and busy,” Daniel says. To soften the look of the “dark and massive” pavilion and create what he calls a “casual, rustic” atmosphere, he incorporated chairs slipcovered in a buttery yellow fabric that picks up the color of the flaxen Knock Out roses in the surrounding beds. A floral accent fabric adds a touch of femininity and draws the organic color and shapes of the plantings into the furnishings. In the twin, covered dining areas on either side of the hearth room, reclaimed teak tables contrast with the dark brown wicker side chairs, and host chairs, which are also slipcovered in the yellow fabric. The Clarks use their new pavilion, adjacent decks, pool, and gardens frequently, whether they are enjoying a typical evening at home or hosting friends for a special occasion. “There’s really no good place to entertain inside our home, and now we can have groups of up to 150 out here. And the fireplace allows us to enjoy it on fall evenings,” Jamie says. From her perspective, what makes this “the best addition we’ve made to the home,” is how livable it is; “the furniture Daniel chose is perfect—everyone always makes comments about how comfortable it is.”
Above: Juniper trees punctuate the hedge surrounding the new pavilion, adding definition and giving the space height and structure. Left: Flower plantings give the landscaping a dynamic range of shape, texture, and color; pictured here are purple coneflower, aloe, and black-eyed Susans. Facing page, top: The original owner of the Clarks’ house spent ten years collecting rocks from the property to create the exterior. “There are some very unusual rocks—some fossilized; it’s really quite unique,” Jamie says. The Clarks used the same method of collecting stone, in order to achieve a coherent look in the stonework of the new pavilion.
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 49
50 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Jamie’s potager garden—a French term, meaning that a garden is both ornamental and food-producing—is an ongoing labor of love. Facing page: Daniel’s idea to plant grapevines in order to frame the view also creates a charming enclosure for the garden dining area. A strand of café lights hangs between posts that are, in fact, portable, and can be used to add a touch of ambience wherever it’s needed.
In Good Taste Another of Jamie’s main requests of Daniel was a vegetable garden. Inspired by the French idea of a potager—a kitchen garden that intermingles ornamental plants with vegetables and herbs—she says she wanted “a real garden, but one that’s also beautiful and fragrant at the same time.” Daniel’s solution was to employ a part of the yard that Jamie says was formerly “just an odd piece of totally bare ground” and transform it into what is now Jamie’s “favorite place.” “I’ve always had a garden,” she says, “but I love the convenience of having it right outside my back door. I’ve just had a ball experimenting with all sorts of crops, from Habanero peppers to pumpkins and okra.” Rows of trellised grapevines on one end of the garden were a creative addition of Daniel’s, intended to draw the eye down the center pathway and out to the valley beyond. To create an actual living area within the space, he placed a café-style table and chairs on the other side of the vines. A short hedge encloses the opposite side of the area. “There’s nothing he did that I love more than that,” Jamie says. “It makes the dining area a little room of its own.” Daniel says that his transformation of the Clarks’ grounds was driven by his quest to make “full use” of the home’s natural spaces—to make each one an experience in itself. As the seasons come and go, Jamie says, she continues to be “blown away” by the changes Daniel made. As the plantings mature, she reflects, “I can see his vision even more than when things were first planted.” And, Jamie’s relationship to the spaces becomes richer through her ongoing work with the plantings and in her enjoyment of them in her leisure time. “I love to see the growth and the change,” she says, “It’s therapy to me.” March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 51
Before the Clarks entrusted the outdoor design to Daniel, the pool and new pavilion stood in the middle of open, undefined space. The tree, hedge, bed, and container plantings he selected extend the exact symmetry of the structure itself, and they define the space as an outdoor “room.” Pink Knock Out roses brighten the stone bed at the end of the pool, and purple fountain grass, asparagus fern, purple scaveola, and petunias grow in the planters stationed at the pavilion’s columns. 52 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Yellow and gold fabrics throughout the seating areas in the pavilion and pool area enliven the spaces, creating a pleasant contrast to the deep browns of the woods and the heaviness of the beams and stones. This central hearth grouping is an inviting place to gather, even in cooler months. Facing page: Wicker lounge chairs offer poolside comfort, twin covered dining areas flank the central fireside living room, and mirror-image decks offer yet another seating option—each one fully appointed in the same casually elegant furnishings.
54 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Design Resources Landscape design Daniel Keeley, DK Design, Fayetteville, (888) 670-4899, dkdesignoutdoor.com Cabana Cary Smallwood, Carrington Creek Homes, Fort Smith, (479) 459-6200, carringtoncreek.com Exterior paint color selection, landscape lighting, and outdoor furnishings DK Design, Fayetteville, (888) 670-4899, dkdesignoutdoor.com
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 55
Story: Tiffany Adams Photography: Nancy Nolan Styling: Chip Jones
A Little Rock couple enlists the help of local experts—including their son—to create an outdoor haven that proves to be an extension of their home “I’ve never met a flower I didn’t like,” Robin Parker says. Overflowing with texture and variety, as well as a multitude of vantage points to enjoy the beauty, the garden of the Little Rock home she shares with her husband, Bert, is a true testament to Robin’s word. Since moving into their home in 1999, Robin—who is an avid gardener—has made continuous updates to make the outdoor area a place the family can enjoy almost year-round. Employing the expertise of The Good Earth Garden Center, where the Parkers’ son Jordan works as a landscape architect, they have created a space that brings enjoyment and beauty at every turn.
56 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
The Parkers’ son, Jordan, designed the garden’s freestanding fireplace. The structure’s natural stone, which was quarried in Clinton, Arkansas, blends with the home’s brick patio and stone walkway. Facing page: A trio of containers holds (clockwise from back right) variegated privet, tradescantia pallid, and a mixture of caladiums, hostas, ornamental kale, and pansies.
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 57
White pansies add contrast to the evergreen foliage that lines the pathway to a bench nestled in the trees. A statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, adds a personal touch. Facing page: A caststone-urn-turned-bubbling-fountain can be seen and heard from most vantage points in the backyard. The upper patio area, which is just off the home’s back entrance, is a favorite spot for the couple to enjoy breakfast. 58 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Creating a Focal Point One thing the garden lacked was a strong focal point. “They had a nice backyard with two patios, but the space where the fireplace sits now was unused, and we really wanted to activate that space and give them a reason to be out there enjoying it,” says Jordan, who designed the structure. For the design’s starting point, Jordan notes that he and his mother Robin, “kind of played off of each other just the way we did when I was a kid and we would work in the garden together.” Using natural stone quarried in Clinton, Arkansas, the two envisioned a freestanding fireplace design that has become a frequent gathering space for the family. “Since we put the fireplace in, we can use the garden almost year-round,” says Robin, who adds that she often places candles or floral designs inside the fireplace’s inner hearth or firebox when it’s not housing a roaring fire in the cooler months. In place of a traditional mantel, Jordan “beefed up” the sides of the fireplace, giving space for container gardens, lanterns, and other accessories.
Resting Spots While the fireplace may be a focal point, multiple spaces for reflection and enjoyment within the garden are connected by a flowing layout. Two patios offer room for dining or entertaining friends. A centrally located fountain can be seen—and heard—throughout the space. Stepping stones lead to a private iron bench that overlooks a side portion of the garden—giving an almost tree-houselike view for the Parkers. From this cozy nook, one can also take in a view of the classically styled white arbor, which Bert built for Robin as an anniversary present one year. ‘New Dawn’ roses climb the structure, bearing pale pink blooms during their peak season. “Each section has a whole different feel,” she says. “There’s great ambience throughout the garden—rolling water, a crackling fire, and ambient light, thanks to the fixtures we installed.”
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 59
Planted Palette As with any outdoor space, it’s the flora that brings it to life. Borders composed of boxwoods and mondo grass along with an expanse of evergreen trees, including ligustrum, planted on either side of the fireplace, keep the entire garden looking beautiful and fresh throughout the year. Huge planters are also filled with boxwoods. “If shrubs are well watered, they can thrive in planters. Plus, it gives you an option to keep from changing out every container in your garden each season,” notes Jennifer Gibson, a landscape designer with The Good Earth Garden Center, who also worked alongside the Parkers on the garden. Pansies, ornamental mustard and kale, Mexican petunias, and other seasonal blooms add a finishing touch of color. Each area and each carefully selected plant bring the Parkers joy. Whether it’s just the two of them enjoying a quiet dinner at home or they are hosting a rehearsal dinner for their son—as they recently did in the space—all of the areas are a reflection of their style and their love for the outdoors. Put simply, Robin notes, “the whole backyard is really just an extension of our home.”
From top: Large planters holding loropetalum, ivy, Mexican petunias, and ornamental kale flank a wooden bench. Sphere sculptures add interest in an area of the garden where it was not possible to introduce more shrubbery or plants. Facing page: Continuing with the garden’s abundance of green, containers bear ornamental kale, golden threadleaf cypress, variegated ivy, ‘cool wave’ pansies, bird’s nest fern, and ornamental cabbage.
Design Resources Landscape design Homeowner and The Good Earth Garden Center, Little Rock, (501) 868-4666, thegoodearthgarden.com Outdoor fireplace—design Jordan Parker, The Good Earth Garden Center, Little Rock, (501) 868-4666, thegoodearthgarden.com Outdoor fireplace—construction Miller Construction, Benton, (501) 840-5372 Outdoor furnishings and plants The Good Earth Garden Center, Little Rock, (501) 868-4666, thegoodearthgarden.com 60 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Tips from the Pros
The Good Earth Garden Center shares advice for designing a dream outdoor space. Containers aren’t just for annuals Planting perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses or even small trees in pots and surrounding them with annuals provides continuity throughout the seasons, broadens the range of texture possibilities, and gives more visual weight to container groupings. Mix and match elements in a grouping Rather than using three matching planting containers, mix in an oversize glass jar, a small table or statue to add interest. Choose your palette wisely Warm colors (oranges, reds, and yellows) exude a feeling of excitement and high energy. Cool colors (whites, blues, and purples) are more calming. Consider the existing landscape, decor elements, and how the space is used when choosing a palette. Create texture and contrast Contrast and texture are key to creating an eye-catching display or container. For example, a large-leaved plant couples well with a grass or fine-leaved plant. Create points of interest Focal points in the landscape aren’t limited to plants; placing container groupings in landscape beds, nestling a freestanding water feature among plants, or even just maintaining a large space of groundcover and placing a boulder within the space can give the eye a place to land and linger.
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 61
To Each Her Own Three Arkansans share
their inviting exterior retreats
Story: Tiffany Adams Photography: Nancy Nolan Styling: Chip Jones
Jana Hunter’s Outdoor living room
Jana Hunter really knows how to make something out of nothing. Take, for example, her backyard. “When we moved in, you would step out of the back door and there was a brick patio area with a table and chairs. We never used it,” the designer says. “We loved dining outside and we weren’t, so I said let’s build a screened-in porch.” She and her husband Mark dug into the project, extending the outdoor living space to their property line with a newly constructed screened-in porch. When she first imagined the space, Jana, who describes her personal style as “traditionally eclectic,” says she knew she “wanted it to be very airy, and I knew I wanted two living areas—the dining and sitting areas.” Inspired by a porch swing she found on an antiquing trip through Arkansas, Jana created a cool yet lively porch that works for drinks with friends as well as it does for an after-school snack with her two children. “I want guests to feel at home and at ease when they are here. A sign of a good party is when they stay four and five hours,” she says. To create this feel throughout the porch, she incorporated finds that are either beautiful, functional, or fall into both categories: a bunny on the console is a nod to her trip to visit Bunny Williams with her mother and her daughter, an iron chandelier over the table holds seasonal plantings, vintage door frames (which were originally intended for her parents’ lake house) inset with burlap allow a breeze into the room, and lanterns hold battery-operated candles for a convenient glow. “Since we have the porch, we really use the space. We come out here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—our family loves to be outside,” Jana says. As for the décor, she adds “when you start putting together everything you love, it tells your story.” 62 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Like Mother, Like Daughter Flip to page 66 to see Jana’s mother’s porch.
Design Resources Design Jana Hunter, Jana Hunter Interiors, Little Rock, (501) 690-2234, janahunter.com Furniture—farm table Mid-Towne Antique Mall, Little Rock, (501) 223-3600, midtownantiquemall.com Lighting—iron chandelier Fabulous Finds Antique Mall, Little Rock, (501) 614-8181
“When you start putting together everything you love, it tells your story.” —Jana Hunter
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Christina Phelps’s Potting Shed & Garden You know how one thing tends to lead to another for homeowners? Christina Phelps, who shares her rolling West Little Rock landscape with her husband Ivo, relates that the process is no different when it comes to a garden. “It started when we had no way to get from point A to point B in the garden. So, I put in a few plants and we created a pathway to connect the patio and the gazebo (which Ivo had previously built),” Christina says. From there, it kept going. “It was just like a little play job for me,” says the Master Gardener, who was eager to test new plantings. “I did one area every season, and it just grew from there.” Christina, who is an artist by trade, admits, “The garden is my palette. I arrange my plantings just as I would in a painting.” Pretty soon, the yard needed another structure among the dotted landscape—not to mention a place to store tools and organize all the accoutrements that come with an avid gardener’s passion—and plans for a garden shed were set in motion. “I had a picture of a garden shed from a magazine that I had saved for twenty years; I just loved it. So, we ordered the plans,” Christina says. Ivo built the shed, which—thanks to two skylights—doubles as a greenhouse during the winter. The couple, who work together on all the projects, also added a pergola to the structure to give room for hanging plants. “My passion is to share the garden—it’s not just for the two of us. I like to have people over for lunches or dinner and see them relax and unwind in our garden. And, of course, I always share cut flowers and seeds with others,” Christina says of her overarching purpose for the naturally beautiful garden. Each year she dries flowers from the garden by hanging them along the shed’s pergola. She collects the seeds and creates packets to give to friends for their own enjoyment.
Design Resources Flowers, plants, and trees Bemis Tree Farm, Little Rock, (501) 831-4558; The Good Earth Garden Center, Little Rock, (501) 868-4666, thegoodearthgardencenter.com Lawn care Top Notch Turf, Little Rock, (501) 607-1991, mytntlawn.com Landscape maintenance Classic Landscapes, Inc., Houston, (501) 889-4549 64 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
“The garden is my palette. I arrange my plantings just as I would in a painting.” —Christina Phelps
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 65
Jeanne Spencer’S Sitting porch Like most people, Jeanne and Dan Spencer never imagined a tornado might bring them joy. However, that was just the case in April of 2011 when gusts from the storm that blew through Prospect Terrace flattened their small, detached garage and sitting porch. A year and a half later, the couple put the finishing touches on a new version of the beloved outdoor space, which was originally constructed in 1924. This time they gave it a slightly larger footprint but kept many of the treasured pieces that make the screenedin living room so comfortable and personable. When the weather is warm, Jeanne, shown here with her dog Jiggs, can be found on the porch almost any time of day. “I love to play Mah Jongg with friends out here. I also take my morning coffee out here; in the afternoon I’ll have tea for anyone who drops by; and then, after five o’clock, I serve gin and tonics on the porch,” Jeanne says of her congenial beverage schedule. However, her hospitality isn’t the only thing that makes the porch so welcoming. Furnishings that were handed down, purchased from friends, or even created by Jeanne—who holds both art and interior design degrees—create the sort of Southern aura one would expect to find on a porch of this nature. For instance, the glider that sits along the far wall once welcomed guests at both Jeanne’s grandmother’s home and her parents’ home. Similarly, the coffee table that offers a resting spot for your beverage of choice was purchased from her art teacher at Central High School, while the botanicals that hang over the porch’s white console table were painted by Jeanne herself, using leaves from her garden as an inspirational guide. In the same manner, she leaves no detail undefined. The window situated over the glider may appear to have been original to the 1924-version of the garage, but it’s actually a find Jeanne discovered at Mid-Towne Antique Mall when she first began to rebuild the structure. Together, these details and personal touches come together to create a retreat that’s sure to make you want to stay for a spell.
66 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
“I love to play Mah jongg with friends out here.” —jeanne spencer
Design Resources Fabric Jana Hunter Interiors, Little Rock, (501) 6902234, janahunter.com Furnishings—vintage window Mid-Towne Antique Mall, Little Rock, (501) 223-3600, midtownantiquemall.com
March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 67
POOL & LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS
There’s no better compliment than being selected as a favorite by your clients. For this issue, we asked readers to share their top picks for best pool and landscape professionals. Here are the results: Aloha Pools, North Little Rock Arkansas Landscape Systems, Little Rock Better Lawns & Gardens, Little Rock Botanica Gardens, Little Rock Brooks landscape architecture, fayetteville Burton Pools & Spas, Fort Smith and Springdale Buzz Free of Arkansas, North Little Rock Cantrell Gardens, Little Rock DK Design, Fayetteville Elite Pools by Scott, Little Rock Environments by Arkansas Pools and Spas, Jonesboro Green Tree Nursery and Landscape, Inc., Little Rock Hocott’s Garden Center, Little Rock Horticare Landscape Companies, Little Rock Jeff Self Pools, Bryant LeafGuard of Arkansas, North Little Rock Lumber One, Mayflower and Stuttgart Parrot Bay Pools and Spas, Little Rock River Valley Horticultural Products, Inc., Little Rock Scott Lyon Landscape & Design, Little Rock Tallulah Pools, Jonesboro The Good Earth Garden Center, Little Rock The Grey Barn, Fayetteville The Plant Outlet Nursery and Garden Center, Conway Townley Pool and Spa, Little Rock Tree Frog Irrigation & Landscapes, Fayetteville
Coming in May…Local Favorites: Renovation Professionals Visit athomearkansas.com/local-favorites now to submit the name of your go-to pro when it comes to remodeling.
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elite pools by scott & ahola pools & spas Joining together to bring you the best in service and selection Two of the best-known and most-trusted names in Arkansas pools are joining together to offer their customers even better service. Scott Girner of Elite Pools by Scott and Don Young of Aloha Pools & Spas are transforming the pool and spa business by coming together as one. The two entities will now offer a range of price points for both vinyl- and gunite- construct pools. In addition, the merger will double their service departments, allowing them to continue to offer you the best when it comes to low-maintenance pools. Whether you’re in the market for a family pool with a tanning ledge, an exotic pool featuring a swim-up bar, or a spillover spa that will make your backyard a year-round gathering space, they are ready to meet your needs. Plus, they are the only ones in Arkansas to offer Smart Pool™ technology, which allows the pool to clean and maintain itself and is available on all their models. Call the professionals at Elite Pools by Scott or Aloha Pools & Spas for all your pool and spa needs. Elite Pools by Scott and Aloha Pools & Spas • 4721 Hillard Road • North Little Rock • 72118 (501) 448-2053 • www.elitepoolsbyscott.com (501) 758-7665 • alohapools.com
botanica gardens
A fun and funky Garden Center, unique gift and home décor shop, and the top landscaping firm in Central Arkansas
owner: Chris H. Olsen trademarks: We are known for our use
of color, and for pushing our designs to the edge, in the sense that we are always creative and original. We try to out-do ourselves with every project. Because none of our yards have the same look, you can be assured that we will make your home stand out in your neighborhood. We strive to provide the highest quality service and product. Our staff are specialists in horticulture and design. They can help you with all of your home and garden needs. If your taste is for the extraordinary, we have it at Botanica! history: After having been in the business since 1992, Chris opened Little Rock’s Botanica Gardens in 2003. A veteran garden and home personality with more than 25 years of landscape and interior design experience, Chris translates his cheerful outlook into colorful and creative designs. advice: The key is to not be afraid to ask for professional advice. Thinking outside of the box is what I always encourage my clients to do! Finding a designer that is willing to help you realize your vision and help you create your own oasis is so important! big news: Chris is opening a new nursery called Plantopia this spring. Unique and different, Plantopia is “wholesale to the public” in the old Lakewood Gardens location. Botanica Gardens • 1601 Rebsamen Park Rd • Little Rock (501) 614-3000 • botanicagardens.com Plantopia • 3101 North Hills Blvd • North Little Rock (501) 812-5900 • Fax: (501) 812-5904 • plantopianlr.com
Outdoor space, Indoor style
479.439.4990 dkdesignoutdoor.com/ahaoutdoor 70 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Design.Build.Decor.Maintenance Landscape.Furnishings.Lighting Residential.Commercial
engi neers, hom eowners, lan d scap e archi tects an d artists. Voted “Jonesboro’s Best” Pool Builders the past six consecutive years.
LeafGuard is the ONLY one-piece seamless debris-shedding gutter 8 7 0 .9 3 5 .2300
42 21 S tadi u m Bl v d. | Jone sb oro, Arkans as
S e rvi ng Easte rn & Ce ntr al Arkans as
pool pictured, completed summer 2014:
Contemporary gunite pool; sand colored beach entry with bubblers leading to midnight blue pool walls and floor. Granite-faced linear water fall & LED lighting also featured.
1-800-LeafGuard or 501-664-5400
leafguardandmore.com
Design • Irrigation • Installation • Maintenance
2600 south madison • jonesboro
870-935-2300
CALL OR LOG ON TODAY! Fayetteville • 479.587.8162 thegreybarn.com March 2015 | athomearkansas.com 71
photography: MATTHEW MARTIN
End Notes
Daffodils
Nothing says “Hello, spring!” quite like the first daffodils bursting forth from a newly greening lawn. Perhaps it’s in part due to their cheerful yellow hue. The brilliant, instantly recognizable—and often imitated—color seems to remind many of us of sun-filled days as well as the promise of the forthcoming season.
72 At Home in Arkansas | March 2015
Susie Everett with Bo
Family Owned, Customer Friendly 501-315-7100
I-30 Alcoa Exit • Benton
479-845-9100
Off Moberly Lane • Bentonville
479-751-4563
Corner of Don Tyson & 71B • Springdale
479-725-9100
I-540 at Elm Springs Rd. • Springdale
888-693-8655
15 Colonel Glenn Plaza Dr. • Little Rock