At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

Celebrating

25 YEARS!

Get Inspired!

&

The Before After Issue

MAY 2022

Find a Renovation Pro YOUR GUIDE TO COUNTERTOPS

www.athomearkansas.com

Kaufman by Design West

HARDWARE | MONDAY - FRIDAY: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM • SATURDAY 8:00 AM - 1 PM SHOWROOM | MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM • SATURDAY 8:30 AM - 1 PM

501.673.3978 • 14900 CANTRELL RD. LIT TLE ROCK • K AUFMANLUMBER.COM

M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 1

H I S TO R I C D OW N TOW N C O N WAY | 1011 OA K S T.

2 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 3

WHERE VIEW MEETS VISION.

Vahan ®, Alwand Vahan ®, Moiré Pattern ® are Regd. Trademarks. Designs © Alwand Vahan Jewelry Ltd. Made in the USA with ethically sourced materials from around the world.

Designed and handcrafted in New York

Make Mother’s Day the perfect day!

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 5

6 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Behind the Feature with Nathan Cooper

SEE MORE OF THIS RENOVATION PROJECT FEATURED ON PAGE 44!

YOU DO A LOT OF CUSTOMIZED REMODELS. HOW DO YOU START?

Tackling a large remodel or addition can be intimidating, but if I understand my client’s goals, I can help them navigate the process. We always start by discussing the big picture, which allows me to price different options while keeping the end goal in mind.

ONE OF THE GOALS FOR THE HOME FEATURED HERE WAS TO CREATE A BETTER FLOW. HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT THIS?

This client has a large family and loves to entertain, so maximizing space was a priority. This kitchen had a structural column in the middle of the room that the client really wanted to remove.

After consulting an engineer, we developed a plan to remove it, which opened so many options!

RENOVATIONS CAN BE MESSY. HOW DO YOU ACCOUNT FOR THIS?

We spend a lot of time during the preconstruction phase talking through expectations, and communication is key. If possible, we try to completely block off the construction area from living spaces to minimize dust and debris. We also set those expectations with our subcontractors to keep the area as clean as we can.

AFTER:

BEFORE:

HOW DOES YOUR TEAM ADDRESS MATCHING EXISTING FINISHES?

3801 Woodland Heights Road Suite 125C Lit tle Rock, AR 72212 501.658.9114 nathancooperhomes.com @river valleybuilders

One of the most important things in any project is blending the new with the old. Continuing existing finishes can really help the continuity, and we work with talented subcontractors who pay close attention to those details.

Sometimes we have to have older trim specially milled or refinish hardwoods, but it can make a really big difference!

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 7

C O N T E N T S

May 2022 | The Before & After Issue

Style 17 Garden Variety SHOP

21

DESIGN

Counter Offers

Life 27 A Place for Play RETREAT

33

DISCOVER

El Dorado

Special Sections 26 63 Renovation Professionals LOCAL FINDS

TRENDSETTERS

In Every Issue 12 72 WELCOME

END NOTES

On The Cover 52 39

Home 44

The Fayetteville kitchen of designer Whitney Romanoff, owner of Meet West Studio.

Photography by Rett Peek.

See page 52.

52

SUITE DREAMS

COME TOGETHER

THE NEXT PHASE

Designer Beth Reed transforms a primary suite and bath with space reorganization, a light palette, and whimsical accessories.

A team of Little Rock remodel professionals helps a couple fall in love all over again with their home’s gathering spaces.

Whitney Romanoff builds off a home’s recent renovation to create a chic, personalized residence for her young family.

Vol. 27, No. 4 © 2022 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.

8 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

Relax and Unwind Outdoors

IN STOCK INVE NTORY AVAIL ABLE FOR I M ME DIATE DE LIVE RY!

A R K A NSA S’ L A RG E S T S E LE C T I O N O F I N T E R I O R BA R S TOO L S C A SUA L FU R N I T U R E | GA S LO GS | G R I LL S | AC C E SSO R I E S

Pleasant Valley Plaza • 11220 N Rodney Parham, Suite 14 • 501.663.1818 • kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com • kenrashs@sbcglobal.net

RELAX

IN STYLE

STYLE

1504 Rebsamen Park Road, Little Rock | 501.280.3200 Tuesday - Saturday | 10am - 5pm mertinsdykehome.com

COME BUY

TODAY!

MEETS COMFORT May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 9

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E X T E N D E D R E TA I L E R

ALL AMERICAN LEATHER MOTION PRODUCTS ON SALE JUNE 7 - 17

Publisher

Kelly Fraiser (ext. 101) kelly@athomearkansas.com Editor

Stephanie Maxwell Newton (ext. 102) stephanie@athomearkansas.com Managing Editor

Tiffany Adams (ext. 104) tiffany@athomearkansas.com Art Director

Steph Smith steph@athomearkansas.com Graphic Designer

Taylor O’Dell graphicartist@athomearkansas.com Social Media Manager

English Plastic Surgery

Laura LaRue laura@athomearkansas.com Contributing Photographers

Rett Peek and Molly Anne Sandefur Account Managers

Mary Kathryn Brengard marykathryn@athomearkansas.com Isabella James (ext. 103) isabella@athomearkansas.com Brand Manager

Becca Moore (ext. 106) becca@athomearkansas.com Billing

billing@athomearkansas.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Call 818.286.3115 or email subscribe@athomearkansas.com for customer service Annual subscriptions: $12.95 Single copy: $3.95 plus shipping and handling

E

Suite 950, Medical Towers II 9501 Baptist Health Drive | Little Rock, AR 72205

(501) 227-9556 | surgeoncosmetic.com 10 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

ADVERTISING

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

Editorial & Advertising Office 2207 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, AR 72202 501.666.5510

AT LAST

Organization MADE SIMPLE

GARAGE CLOSETS • GARAGES • HOME OFFICES • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • WALL BEDS • PANTRIES • CRAFT ROOMS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • MUD ROOMS • WINE ROOMS

Call (501) 907-7105 for a free Virtual or In-Home Design Consultation or visit us online at closetfactory.com 2216 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72202 the art of organization ©2022 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS’

LOW PRICE COUNTERTOP PROVIDER

OTHER SERVICES: ◊ FLOORING ◊ WINDOW COVERINGS ◊ SHOWER GLASS ◊ DESIGN SERVICES ◊ KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING

We will match any competitors offer and throw in our stain protection plan for free. See store for details!

501.833.9510 | 8713 Warden Road | Sherwood, AR | SouthernInteriors.net | LittleRockGranite.com May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 11

From the Editor When we talk about “before and afters,” it’s often those messy, down-to-the-studs projects that come to mind. But I like to celebrate the more modest makeovers, too. I was recently reminded of the big impact minor updates can make when my husband and I (and, if I’m completely honest, my dad) finished a few improvements to our primary bathroom. We did two things: First, we swapped an enormous, outdated mirror that spanned the wall for a pair with a more modern style, each centered under a vanity light. Second, we hung three small shelves to corral toiletries, which reduced clutter while keeping what we use every day close at hand. We didn’t do a thing to the walls or countertops, but because you can actually see them now, the whole space feels totally refreshed. Whether you have a major remodel in your future or are simply looking to maximize the space you have, it’s all about making your home work smarter. Best of luck!

Stephanie Maxwell Newton, editor S T E P H A N I E @AT H O M E A R K A N S A S . C O M

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).

12 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

On the Blog National pop-up store BRIKA is about halfway through its one-year stay at 115 W. Central Ave., a renovated historic bank building in Bentonville. Read our Q&A with Ryan Lawson, the Arkansas native and designer behind this retail space’s striking interiors, and—if you haven’t stopped by to see it in person—get there before the shop closes in September.

Follow along as a local interior designer takes readers through the process of building a home in our blog series From the Ground Up with Jill Lawrence. Every few weeks, Jill, owner of J. Lawrence Design, will join us to share updates from her new build in central Arkansas, including everything from inspiration boards to material selections and furniture placement.

As the official start of summer nears, you may be itching for a getaway. While options for far-flung vacations abound, there are so many retreats where you can enjoy the best the Natural State has to offer, too. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite local vacation rentals that are perfect for a weekend or week-long stay.

Visit athomearkansas.com/blog for these posts and more.

Photos by Rett Peek; BRIKA image courtesy of Ryan Lawson

W E LC O M E

We opened our doors in 1949. Our focus then and now is to bring our customers a quality product to match the quality of service we provide.

400 N. Magnolia St. | North Little Rock, AR 72114 pchdwe.com | sales@pchdwe.com | 501-224-1724 May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 13

W E LC O M E

To mom, with love

Mother’s Day Sunday, May 8

At Home with Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors is noted design book author Susanna Salk’s latest title.

With photography by Stacey Bewkes, this tome takes readers through the incredible homes of designers, celebrities, and creatives alike.

Through his experience in product design, interiors, and as former creative director of Ralph Lauren Home, Billy Cotton has become a trusted name in the home industry. His debut book, Billy Cotton: Interior & Design Work, documents his career thus far.

501-666-3333 | tiptonhurst.com

SAY GOODBYE TO CLOGGED GUTTERS!

The editors of digital shelter magazine Rue present Home with Rue: Style for Everyone. Featuring projects across a range of styles and budgets as well as how-to resources, this title is meant to inspire and instruct. To be released May 24.

The Collected Cottage is designer Kathryn Crisp Greeley’s second book. Set primarily at her North Carolina home, Chestnut Cottage, the title offers inspiration for gatherings alongside cherished recipes and historical tidbits behind various tabletop collections. To be released in June.

AFTER

BEFORE

THE ONLY ONE-PIECE SEAMLESS DEBRIS-SHEDDING GUTTER! leafguardandmore.com 501-508-6474 | 501-664-5400 | 877-848-2422 14 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

Vibrant Interiors: Living Large at Home is designer Andrea Monath Schumacher’s first book.

Inside, projects brimming with color, pattern, and personality embody the Colorado-based creative’s bold aesthetic. To be released May 17.

This past September, Arkansas native John Phifer Marrs released his first book, Interiors for Collectors. An ode to his love of antiques, traditional interiors, and artful displays, Marrs instructs readers on how to choose collections, then edit and organize them into thoughtful arrangements.

These recent and forthcoming releases are available at your favorite booksellers or design showrooms.

Images courtesy of publishers

Required Reading

HL_AHA_GrandOpening_7.375x4.812.indd 1

3/25/22 10:28 AM

• Arkansas’ Premier Family Destination • Area’s Largest Full-Service Marina • Premier Luxury Cottages and Lake-Side Lodging • Lake-View Restaurant • Turtle Cove Spa • Pet Friendly

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 15

WE’RE THE

best IN custom MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS & MORE. COME SEE WHY.

Jones Glass

18421 INTERSTATE 30 SOUTH • BENTON, AR • 501.315.6600 • MYJONESGLASS.COM

DESIGN • BUIL D • MAINTAIN

SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE SE

E MORE P

R

JE C TS

SC AN

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O

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5 01. 4 5 4 .9 8 0 3 | B E T T E R L AW N S A R .C O M

BEFORE 16 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

UPDAT E YOUR SPACE

Style Engraved glass vase, decorative grasshopper, and books with photography by Georgianna Lane.

Cobblestone & Vine, Bentonville and Little Rock COBBLESTONEANDVINE.COM

Acrylic and gold-leaf napkin rings.

Fresh i.d., Little Rock 5 01. 478 .6 0 0 6

Garden Variety

PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK SW T ESLTLE P S TMOI TNHP H O T O G R A P H E R R E T T P E E K P R O D U C E R S T E P H A NSI ET YMLAI X NH EW

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 17

S T Y L E

S H O P

26-inch “Inhabitants of Nature” pillow.

Cobblestone & Vine, Bentonville and Little Rock COBBLESTONEANDVINE.COM

“Huckleberry” wall sconce.

TEC Electric, North Little Rock TECELECTRIC.COM

Susan Shaw necklace and linen kitchen towel.

Fresh i.d., Little Rock 5 01. 478 .6 0 0 6

With birds, branches, blooms, and bugs, these botanical finds are sure to grow on you “Paza” arched mirror.

Arkansas Furniture, Hot Springs ARK ANSASFURNITURE.COM

Hand-painted ceramic tray.

Debi Davis Interior Design, Little Rock

Italian blue and green ceramic lamp.

Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock BEARHILLINTERIORS.COM

DE BIDAV ISINTE RIORDESIGN .COM

“Briallen” white demilune table.

Lighting Emporium, Springdale

“Elan” hand-knotted wool rug.

Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock CANTRELLFURNITURE.COM

18 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

Images courtesy of vendors

LIGHTINGEMPORIUM.COM

C HEER S TO

30 YE A R S!

rejuvenation clinic

day spa

the

MED SPA

at rejuvenation clinic

11125 ARCADE DRIVE, SUITE G LIT TLE ROCK, AR 72212 | 501-228-4545 REJUVENATIONCLINIC.COM

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE BRANDS

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 19

TAKE IN THE VIEW...

WHEREVER YOU LIVE

501-481-8117 | 26096 I-30, Bryant AR CountertopWorldAR.com

When Qualit y Counts C.COUGILL ROOFING CO., INC. w w w.cougillroofing.com

Wo r t h t h e I nve s t m e n t.

S e r v i n g t h e L i t t l e R o c k A r e a f o r 2 7 Ye a r s .

R ES I DE NTIAL •T i l e •S l a t e •A s p h a l t S h i n g l e s •Wood S h a ke •Me t a l Roof s •Roof Ma i n t e n a nc e

C OMME RC IAL •P VC S i n g l e Pl y •Mod i f i e d •S t a n d i n g S e a m Me t a l •B ui l t - Up •Roof Ma i n t e n a nc e

C. COUGILL ROOFING CO., INC. • 10301 RIVERVIEW CORPOR ATE DR. • MAUMELLE, AR • 501.812.9400 20 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

D E S I G N

Images courtesy of vendors

S T Y L E

Rich blue veining is the trademark of Cambria’s new “Inverness” quartz in Cobalt, which is shown in a waterfall application on this island.

1

Counter Offers

Find your dream countertop style and material

PRODUCER TIFFANY ADAMS

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 21

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

MAN-MADE Materials 2

3

4

5

6

7

2 Cambria’s “Portrush” quartz features navy, gray, and black veining with fine gold flakes. 3 Caesarstone’s “Aterra Blanca” has a misty white base with earthy, neutral veining. 4 With layers of taupe and tan, “Adamina” by Caesarstone calls to mind a sandy dune or desert landscape. 5 Formica’s “White Pearl Cascade” is a laminate with a lightly shimmering tone-on-tone pattern. Available in the company’s Monolith finish that has a matte texture and the feel of stone. 6 Silestone’s “Loft,” shown in Poblenou, blends a range of grays in a blurred merger. 7 “Ethereal” in Noctis from Silestone features short, dark gray veins on a textured background.

22 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

WEST LITTLE ROCK GLASS LLC.

PLEASANT RIDGE 501.915.2894

1903 Hinson Loop Rd. • Little Rock • 501-223-3034

11205 OTTER CREEK RD S, STE B, MABELVALE, AR 72103 WWW.PACIFICSHORESTONES.COM

(501) 455-3600 Portinari Marble; Designer: Melange Designs Fabricator: Castle Rock Countertops Builder: Avalon Signature Homes

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 23

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

Naturally Occurring OPTIONS 8

9

10

11

12

13

8 “White Ice” granite features black, white, and gray flecks against a creamy tan backdrop.

9 With shades of gray, white, and brown, “Bianco Antico” granite is an earth-inspired choice for any space. 10 “Shadow Storm” marble has a sleek look with a rich gray and crisp white pairing.

11 Trending with darker hues of black, taupe, and brown, “Santa Cecilia” granite brings a warm appeal to kitchens and baths. 12 A white canvas with both thick and thin veins of gray makes “Statuarietto” marble a popular choice. 13 Another popular transitional or contemporary option, “Viscon White” granite features larger, dark gray patterns across a white background.

Special thanks to Pacific Shore Stones for use of these samples for photography.

24 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

Local Retailers 1 & 2 Abstract Granite, abstractgranite.com; AHI Stoneworks, facebook.com/ahistoneworksar; Arkansas Granite and Marble, arkansasgraniteandmarble. com; Carr Plumbing, carrplumbinginc.com; Counter Top Concepts, (870) 892-0086; Countertop World, countertopworldar.com; D&D Floor Covering, ddfloorcovering.com; Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, kitchensofarkansas.com; Emcar Marble & Granite, emcargranite.com; Epic Cabinets & Design, facebook. com/epiccabinetsdesign; Gilmore’s Custom Kitchens, gilmoreskitchens.com; Kitchen & Bath Concepts, kbc1. biz; Kitchen & Bath Ideas, kitchenandbathideas.biz; Kitchen Distributors, kitchendistributorsinc.com; Kitchen Tune-Up, kitchentuneuplittlerock.com; Kitchen TuneUp of Rogers, kitchentuneup.com/rogers-ar; Legacy Kitchen & Bath, legacykitchensbaths.com; Midway Marble & Granite, midwaygranite.com; National Marble and Granite, facebook.com/nationalmarbleandgranite; Nations Kitchen & Bath, nationskitchenandbath.com; New Century Countertops, newcenturycountertops. com; ProSource of Little Rock, prosourcewholesale. com; Restructure Design, restructurear.com; Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber.com; Schmidt Countertops, schmidtcountertops.com; Specialty Woodworks & Tile, specialtywoodworksandtile.com; Westbrook Premier Kitchen & Bath, westbrookpremierkb.com 3 & 4 Advanced Bath & Kitchen, advancedbk.com; AHI Stoneworks, facebook.com/ahistoneworksar; Arkansas Granite & More, agm-design.com; Carr Plumbing, carrplumbinginc.com; Kitchen Distributors, kitchendistributorsinc.com; New Century Countertops, newcenturycountertops.com; Pacific Shore Stones, pacificshorestones.com; Stone Studio Little Rock, facebook.com/stonestudiolr 5 Counter Top Concepts, (870) 892-0086; Gilmore’s Custom Kitchens, gilmoreskitchens.com; Kaufman By Design, kaufmanlumber.com; Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber. com; Townzen Tile, townzentile.com; Vore’s Kitchen & Bath, voreskitchenandbath.com 6 & 7 Countertop World, countertopworldar.com; Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, kitchensofarkansas.com; Epic Cabinets & Design, facebook.com/epiccabinetsdesign; Gilmore’s Custom Kitchen, gilmoreskitchens.com; Kitchen & Bath Concepts, kbc1.biz; Kitchen & Bath Ideas, kitchenandbathideas.biz; Kitchen Tune-Up, kitchentuneuplittlerock.com; McElroy Tops & Floors, mcelroytops.com; Restructure Design, restructurear. com; ROCA, rocagranitestore.com 8-13 Natural stones available through a number of retailers listed in this section, including Abstract Granite, abstractgranite. com; Acme Brick, Tile & Stone, acmebricktileandstone. com; AHI Stoneworks, facebook.com/ahistoneworksar; Alpha Countertops & Tile, alphacountertops.net; All Natural Stone, allnaturalstoneinc.com; Arkansas Granite and Marble, arkansasgraniteandmarble.com; Arkansas Granite & More, agm-design.com; Casablanca Stone & Tile, casablancastonetile.com; The Countertop Store, thecountertopstorear.com; Countertops of Little Rock, countertopsoflittlerock.com; Eagle Granite & Marble, (501) 835-3081; Emcar Marble & Granite, emcargranite.com; Emcar Stone Studios, emcarstone. com; Holmes Tile & Marble, holmestile.com; Marble & Granite Creations, marbleandgranite.store; New Century Countertops, newcenturycountertops.com; Pacific Shore Stones, pacificshorestones.com; Stone Studio Little Rock, facebook.com/stonestudiolittlerock; Triton Stone Group, tritonstone.com

BRICK | STONE | HARDSCAPE | PAVERS FIREPLACES | GRILLS & APPLIANCES CASUAL FURNITURE | HOME DECOR

16 0 9 E . 9 T H S T. L R , 7 2 2 0 2 5 0 1 - 37 5 - 0 0 6 0 A N T I Q U E B R I C K I N C .C O M

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 25

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

With graduation celebrations and Father’s Day fast approaching, gifts for guys are top of mind

William Henry “Titan” beechwood Damascus steel knife, $1,000.

Sissy’s Log Cabin, Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Memphis, and Conway

Tag Heuer “Autavia” watch, $5,300.

Sissy’s Log Cabin, Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Memphis, and Conway

Fleur-de-lis money clip, $490.

Sissy’s Log Cabin, Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Memphis, and Conway

PK Grills Original Charcoal Grill and Smoker.

Contact store for pricing.

Lumber One Home Center, Mayflower

SISSYSLOGCABIN.COM

SISSYSLOGCABIN.COM

LUMBER1.COM

Pelican “Dayventure” backpack cooler, $249.95.

Kaufman By Design West, Little Rock

Little Rock Rangers sweatshirt, $45.

Little Rock Rangers, Little Rock

Tag Heuer “Formula 1” timepiece featuring a tachymeter and fixed bezel in ultra-resistant black ceramic. Contact store for pricing.

Romance Diamond, Fayetteville

K AUFMANLUMBER.COM

LIT TLEROCKRANGERS.COM

ROMANCEDIAMOND.COM

26 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

Images courtesy of vendors

SISSYSLOGCABIN.COM

M A K E YOURSEL F AT HOME

A Place For Play

Life

AC Designs teams up with Spradlin Homes to create a family’s dream backyard

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST STEPHANIE MA X WELL NE W TON

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 27

L I F E

R E T R E AT

F

or years the children of these Little Rock homeowners had wished for a pool they could visit any time of day. “When the pandemic began, we thought, Who knows how long we are going to be here?

Maybe this is the time,” one of the owners recalls.

Throughout their 16 years in the house, they had spent time updating numerous other areas and were ready to transform their underdeveloped backyard into a destination.

Having just completed a den renovation with designers Candace Davis and Amy Terry of AC Designs, the homeowners asked the team to turn their attention outdoors. Meanwhile, they also met with contractor Harold Spradlin, Joe Barnett of Little Rock Land Design, and Diamond Pools. As a plan began to formulate, the scope of the project expanded. “We thought about everyone having to run back in the house in wet swimsuits to use the restroom, and we decided we needed a bath closer to the pool,” the owner says. An existing backyard shed made the idea easy to visualize, and the pool installation evolved into a multi-functional structure with spaces that are seen—an outdoor kitchen and lounge area—as well as unseen, including an office, bike storage, and the aforementioned bath.

“We really thought through their needs and tried to get the most out of the space,” says Amy, who took the design lead on the project. “While you are building, you should go ahead and incorporate everything you need.” “We love to be outdoors and to entertain, so it just made sense to really go for it,” the homeowner adds.

Now, multiple zones—from the existing stone patio and firepit area to the pool and covered structure—invite a crowd. “The guys can be watching a game on TV, while the girls are by the firepit and the kids are in the pool,” Amy says.

28 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

L I F E

R E T R E AT

“We had seen the trend of fire bowls and really liked the idea of mixing fire and water around the pool,” the owner says.

PALETTE PERFECTED

To account for a slope in the property, a retaining wall was added along the back of the pool. Its center holds seasonal blooms and each end is framed by a fire bowl. Travertine surrounding the pool acts as a complement to the stone on the pool house fireplace and carries the palette through the space. “I love the layers of neutrals. Having not just one, but multiples, makes it so inviting,” Amy says.

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 29

L I F E

R E T R E AT

Years ago, Better Lawns & Gardens updated the home’s patio with flagstone and a built-in firepit. The recent addition was designed to coordinate with this space.

Style was also at the forefront of the design.

“I like a more modern aesthetic that keeps everything clean and simple,” the owner says.

Amy took these preferences and the existing materials into consideration when making selections. “We wanted to coordinate with the house, especially since you see it from the home’s driveway,” she says. She matched exterior lighting and also carried the champagne, black, and cream palette from the recent den update into this space for a sense of cohesiveness. “Amy and Harold are so amazing, and even when there were supply chain holdups they really stayed with us throughout the process. We love how this space turned out,” the owner says.

SNACK CENTRAL

Rather than a large dining space, the couple opted for a bar where kids can take a swim break and grab a bite to eat. “It’s rare that people have a sitdown dinner outside, so we thought this would function well for them,” Amy says.

30 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

L I F E

R E T R E AT

“Shoji White” Sherwin-Williams

Design Resources CONTRACTOR Harold Spradlin, Spradlin Homes INTERIOR DESIGN Candace Davis and Amy Terry, AC Designs LANDSCAPE DESIGN Joe Barnett, Little Rock Land Design ACCESSORIES AND HARDWARE AC Designs APPLIANCES Antique Brick & Block COUNTERTOPS Stone World FIREPLACE Congo Fireplace & Patio LIGHTING AC Designs and Light Innovations PAINT Sherwin-Williams POOL AND SPA Diamond Pools

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 31

VISIT OUR NEW I know MidSouth hasn't signed SHOWROOM! yet- he said he was out of the 870-520-6370 office some today but would be able to later today or tomorrow; however, I wanted to go ahead and give you artwork info. 1/4 page and he is wanting to use an image from Jason International since he is pushing Jason tubs in his new showroom. He asked if we could help pick out an image and get a proof together for him and he trusts our (your) judge-

ONE YEAR for $12.95

2600 E. Highland Drive Jonesboro, AR 72401 (P) 870.932.8329 • (E) 870.932.4591

Voted "Best Real Estate Company"

311 E Main | El Dorado, Arkansas 71730 • 133 W Washington St | Camden, AR 71701 870-881-9011 | srgeldorado.com 32 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

Discover El Dorado

This South Arkansas city is home to a bustling downtown and a year-round calendar of events

W R I T E R S T E P H A N I E M A X W E L L N E W T O N P H O T O G R A P H E R M O L LY A N N E S A N D E F U R

March 2022 | athomearkansas.com 33

34 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

“Downtown El Dorado is the heartbeat of the city.”

—Beth Brumley, Main Street El Dorado executive director

The Black Cat Café’s varied (and cheeky) menu offers everything from “Cat’s Meow Burgers” to “Fat Cat Steaks.”

M

ain Street El Dorado was founded in 1988 with the mission to improve the downtown through historic preservation, economic development, and event promotion. Its executive director, Beth Brumley, is an Arkadelphia native who moved to El Dorado right out of college. “There were great opportunities here, and I just fell in love with the town,” she says. Beth was first involved with the organization as a volunteer—with a full-time staff of only two, that is the role most who are affiliated with Main Street El Dorado take. “Everything we do is volunteer-based. It’s all people who are vested in their community and enjoy giving back,” she says.

The nonprofits’ biggest festival of the year, MusicFest— which takes place October 7-8 this year and includes a lineup packed with live music and family fun—requires 300-400 such volunteers, Beth adds.

While MusicFest might be the program’s largest and most well-known, organizers coordinate a total of 24 events a year, including cook-offs, holidaythemed gatherings, and monthly First Thursday happy hours in partnership with the Downtown Business Association, among others. For example, at May on Main—held this year on May 7—revelers can enjoy live music on the square throughout the day. Airstreams on the Square, which brings dozens of the distinctive aluminum campers to downtown El Dorado in the fall, is a more recent addition to the list—and one that Beth describes as a sight to see in and of itself. “This is the only urban camping event in the state of Arkansas, and we usually have eight or nine states represented,” she says. “Once we get someone to El Dorado, they usually come back or tell someone else to make the trip. We do a lot locally for

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 35

D I S C O V E R

DINE

SHOP

L I F E

STAY

PLAY

Several retired English phone booths in Union Square now operate as free book exchanges.

101 West Main, Suite 410 | El Dorado, AR 71730 870.862.4747 | mainstreeteldorado.org 36 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

community and quality of life, but also to bring visitors to town.”

Some of these events are fundraisers, but Main Street El Dorado also receives funding from its parent programs, Main Street Arkansas and Main Street America, to provide free resources to more than 240 small businesses that fall within the nonprofit’s downtown footprint. “Main Street Arkansas provides services like consultants for store exteriors or interiors, as well as advice on starting or running your business,” Beth says. All of this makes a difference in keeping occupancy high and the area thriving. “El Dorado has always had forward thinkers. We come together to collaborate,” Beth says, citing recent additions, such as The Murphy Arts District and The Haywood Hotel, as indicators that the community continues to invest in itself and grow. Read on for some of our favorite reasons to discover El Dorado.

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

A First-Class Time...

EVERY TIME.

The Haywood, a boutique hotel in the heart of Murphy Arts District.

DINE

Magnolia eatery MuleKick opened its El Dorado location, MULEKICK@MAD (mulekickatmad.com), last fall.

Featuring a menu of pizza, wings, and craft beer, it’s right at home in the spot formerly occupied by Griffin Restaurant in the Murphy Arts District. In the mood for Mexican food? Head to LAREDO’S GRILL (laredogrill. site) for all your favorites, plus a range of salads, burgers, and chef’s specials. Don’t miss EL DORADO CREAMERY (facebook.com/eldoradocreamery) for a sweet treat—they have 12 rotating flavors of frozen yogurt—after a day of exploring the city.

VISIT

On May 26, MAD AMPHITHEATER (eldomad.com) plays host to country music icons Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker with special guest Tracy Byrd. Prices start at $44 for general admission seating on the lawn, though major fans can reserve tickets for the “VIP Experience,” which includes early entry and time with the artists. Just west of the city’s downtown is the SOUTH ARKANSAS ARBORETUM (arkansasstateparks. com), a 12-acre wooded site with picturesque walking trails maintained by the South Arkansas Community College. A semi-private club with tee times available to the public, MYSTIC CREEK GOLF CLUB (golfmysticcreek. com) has been named the “No. 1 Course You Can Play in Arkansas” by Golfweek. Save the date for the club’s MGA Firecracker Golf Tournament July 9-10.

STAY

Whether you’re traveling in from out of town or looking for a staycation, check out THE HAYWOOD (facebook.com/ thehaywoodeldorado), a boutique brand that’s part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection and just steps from Murphy Arts District. The UNION SQUARE GUEST QUARTERS (usgq.net) is a charming guesthouse with 32 comfortable suites, plus accommodations at the Mason House just a block away.

There’s one name in trout fishing, and it is Gaston’s. America’s #1 trout fishing resort is legendary, luring anglers from coast to coast for the ultimate White River experience. Come fish in style and comfort as part of the Gaston’s family.

• FIRST-CL ASS GUIDE SERVICE • LODGING • ONE OF THE SOUTH’S FINEST RESTAURANTS • PRIVATE CLUB • TENNIS COURTS • SWIMMING POOL • NATURE TRAILS • CONFERENCE LODGE • L ANDING STRIP FOR FLY-IN GUESTS

Discover The Legacy

1777 River Road, Lakeview, AR 72642 870-431-5202 • Email gastons@gastons.com Lat 36° 20’ 55” N Long 92° 33’ 25” W

Gastons.com May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 37

Full Interior Design Services & Showroom Accessories, Architecturals, Art, Home Furnishings & Lighting 38 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

Mon - Fri | 10AM - 5PM or by appointment: 2314 Cantrell Road Little Rock, 72202 501.372.1886 | providenceltddesign.com

THE BEFORE & AFTER ISSUE

Home

Suite Dreams

A Clarksville couple transforms their bed and bath with the help of designer Beth Reed

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST STEPH SMITH

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 39

A fresh coat of white paint, new furniture and bedding, and whimsical accessories, such as the botanical artwork and acrylic-base lamp ushered a whole new feel into the bedroom.

W

hile a roof leak presents obvious problems for homeowners, Lauren and Jonathan Nichols saw water damage to their property as an opportunity. “We discovered a slow leak over our shower that had caused the drywall to bubble,” Lauren recalls. “I have a hard time not doing anything all the way, so my husband said, This is your chance. Go big or go home.” A friend shared the name of Beth Reed, designer and owner of Design Actually, and Lauren reached out immediately. “I love to decorate, but with the scope of this project and everything we wanted to incorporate, I couldn’t imagine where to start,” she says.

40 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

BEFORE

Inspired by hotel baths in Las Vegas, the Nicholses wanted a primary suite with a light, neutral palette and a marble bath. “They are a busy young family, and they wanted this to be a peaceful place where they could be at ease at the end of the day,” Beth says. Defined areas in the bath and a closet with more than double the storage were also priorities. “Beth gave us options for the floor plan, but we loved her initial idea and went with it,” Lauren says.

To acquire square footage for the spacious closet, the Nicholses were willing to give up an underutilized guest room. “Lauren was tired of everything being crammed into a tight space and

“Repose Gray” Sherwin-Williams

“The doors were my splurge. I had seen them on Pinterest, and we waited for a long time for them, but they were so worth it,” Lauren says.

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 41

SOPHISTICATED SHOWER

The bath’s marble flooring continues in a horizontal application on the shower walls with coordinating hexagon tiles underfoot. A rainfall showerhead, thermostatic valve, and quartz bench are all useful amenities while a floral mosaic brings an artful touch to the design.

CHIC SOAK

A sleek freestanding tub replaced the previous deck-style version. A tub filler by Brizo in Luxe Gold coordinates with the other finishes and makes a statement. Linen panels with a blue and gold trim soften the window while allowing light to flow into the space.

BEFORE

not really knowing what she had,” Beth says. “When you’re working in a closet, it’s important to think about what types of clothing the client has and plan accordingly.

For example, do they need more long, hanging storage for dresses or concealed space for accessories?” Beth maximized storage space while still allowing room to walk around and step back to look in the mirror.

In the bath, removing a bulky tub, reconfiguring vanity areas, and transforming the former closet into a shower allowed the designer to check all the boxes on the couple’s wish list. Gold finishes and an eye-catching light fixture speak back to the original hotel inspiration while also coordinating with the refreshed bedroom. “Now the rooms are so airy and light—and a little bit feminine, but not too much,” Lauren says with a smile. AH

42 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

VANITY FLAIR

A space between the end of the previous double vanity and tub was the perfect nook to create a separate station for applying makeup. A pullout in the cabinetry keeps Lauren’s hair dryer and curling iron organized and at the ready.

The mobile stool is a custom design that will be available through Beth’s customizable Design Actually collection.

TAILORED TO HER

In the newly created closet, Beth had the contractor match the bedroom’s wood floors and build an island with storage for sunglasses, jewelry, and folding clothes. The existing windows flood the space with natural light, and mirrored door fronts add to the glam feel while offering concealed storage.

The wallpaper seen behind the shoe racks mimics the shower’s floral mosaic. A circular-patterned light fixture and pair of gold-and-white stools finish out the design.

Design Resources CONTRACTOR Horn & Son Construction INTERIOR DESIGN Beth Reed, Design Actually BEDDING Design Actually and Designer Effects COUNTERTOPS Alpha Countertops FIXTURES Southern Pipe & Supply FURNITURE, LIGHTING, WALLPAPER, AND WINDOW COVERINGS Design Actually PAINT SherwinWilliams TILE The Tile Shop

“Alabaster” Sherwin-Williams

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 43

Come Together A west Little Rock couple enlists local pros to update their gathering spaces WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPH SMITH

F

amily and time together were the driving forces behind the renovation of this home’s main living areas. Having built the house more than two decades ago, the couple were ready for a more contemporary, open floor plan as well as a style update. “We have a large extended family and love to host during the holidays and entertain throughout the year,” one of the homeowners says. “Our kitchen was tight and the living room wasn’t being used as much because it was shut off.”

They assembled a team who could see beyond walls and columns to create defined, cohesive areas for cooking, dining, and relaxing. “We called Ellen Yeary at Yeary Lindsey Architects, and she really listened to us and worked to get the floor plan just right,” the owner says. They also brought in trusted interior designer Mona Thompson Phelan of Providence Design, with whom they had worked previously. “When someone is looking at doing a renovation, we always ask, What’s not working for you?” the designer says. “For them, it was all about creating spaces that were not shut off from one another and giving it a newer, lighter look—which is what we do.”

44 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

ALL THE COMFORTS

While the biggest change to the living room came in widening the door casing and creating a clear channel for both foot traffic and conversation, a shift in furnishings also ushered in a new tone. “The living room was too formal for them before,” says Mona. To remedy this, she specified comfortable seating and accessories in a light palette that is cohesive with the rest of the downstairs area. Nathan added built-in bookcases to provide storage on either side of the cast stone fireplace.

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 45

“What I loved about the renovation was that my husband and I were very hands-on.

I picked things, he picked things, and Mona really worked with our selections.”

—Homeowner

With the beginnings of the plan in place, Mona introduced the couple to Nathan Cooper of River Valley Builders to bring the ideas to life. “We do a lot of remodels, and what they were ultimately trying to accomplish was more space for their family,” he says. Nathan notes that opening up a walled-off central staircase, removing the dated columns, and building a large island were key to achieving this. “The sitting room was closed off because of the kitchen columns, so after the remodel it really felt like four rooms became one,” he adds.

“Honestly, this was one of the easiest renovations,” the homeowner says, recalling the makeshift kitchen she was able to create upstairs and how Nathan’s team blocked off the living room to contain the mess. “It was a big project but this is our family home—our forever home—and now every time I walk in the kitchen I get excited.” AH

46 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

BEFORE

IN THE FLOW

A sitting room with a second television and plenty of additional seating (shown opposite) gives guests another nearby spot to lounge without crowding the kitchen. Damask-print drapes carry from the dining room, creating continuity between the spaces.

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 47

48 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

BEFORE

REINVENTING THE HUB

Reconfiguring the floor plan to allow for a larger island—meaning increased space for prep and casual dining—was the starting point of the kitchen.

Nathan and his team removed the former peninsula, creating a continuous flow into the adjoining sitting area and dining space. Travertine floors were traded for hardwoods that seamlessly match the existing ones in the living room, while the entire room was given a lighter palette.

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 49

WITHIN RANGE

The homeowner found Kitchen Kandy, a small, Dallas-based hood company, via Instagram and worked with them to customize the range hood. “I was so impressed with their level of commitment, and I really think the hood is the showpiece of the kitchen,” she says. “It’s like the finishing touch of lipstick on the space.”

50 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

OPEN BAR

A former powder room was transformed into a chic wet bar. Glass-front panels and a custom Walker Zanger backsplash add polish to the space. “We had originally planned to put a door here, but it was too pretty to hide,” Nathan says.

FRESHEN UP

The laundry room gained square footage by removing lockers and a bench that were more purposeful when the couple’s children were younger. A catchall desk was added to serve as a mail drop station, while the large-scale wallpaper and backsplash bring style to the utilitarian space.

Design Resources ARCHITECT Ellen Yeary, Yeary Lindsey Architects CONTRACTOR Nathan Cooper, River Valley Builders INTERIOR DESIGN Mona Thompson Phelan and Talena Ray, Providence Design CABINETRY Duke Custom Cabinets FLOORING McMillion Hardwood Floors HARDWARE PC Hardware PAINTING Finishing Touch Painting MILLWORK Tony Carmack Trim WINDOW COVERINGS Mountjoy’s Draperies

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 51

The Next PHASE

WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPH SMITH

52 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

Designer Whitney Romanoff personalizes a previous renovation to create her family’s West Coast-inspired abode BEFORE Original Living Room

D

uring her years living in Washington, D.C., and later Oakland, California, Whitney Romanoff had occasionally considered moving back to her home state of Arkansas—one day, maybe. However, the start of the pandemic in 2020 provided a shift in perspective, and she, her husband, Stephen, and their daughter, Sofia, put down roots in Fayetteville earlier than expected.

The family of three spent several months searching for a home that would suit their needs. “We were both working from home with a toddler, and we needed something we could move into quickly but also put our stamp on,” she says. They found what they were looking for in this recently renovated house, with its balance

of open and contained living spaces and abundance of windows. The seller, Ben Shipley, also turned out to be the man behind the remodel.

When Ben bought the fixer-upper, it had all the hallmarks of its 1966 construction, including a sunken living room, small windows, and a narrow kitchen. He adjusted the layout for modern living by raising the foundation to one level, allocating square footage from a nearby bathroom to enlarge the kitchen, and improving the flow from the interiors to the backyard—while also adding 1,300 square feet and keeping the character of the original structure intact. “Especially in remodels, you have to work in the existing layout of the home while keeping in mind how to use the space the best,” Ben says.

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 53

BEFORE Original Kitchen

“Pure White” Sherwin-Williams

DEFINED CHARACTER

During the initial renovation, Ben laid the hardwood flooring in a herringbone pattern and enlarged the kitchen by 12 feet to allow for an eat-in island. Whitney loved the Indian “Statuario” marble on the countertops so much that she found matching slabs to continue up the walls as a backsplash. She finished the space with a simplified range hood and single open shelf, tambour paneling on the island, updated lighting, and unlacquered brass hardware.

“If you’re going to gut and remodel, it has to flow well.”

Whitney and Stephen appreciated that Ben had paid attention to the home’s functionality and made thoughtful material selections, such as marble waterfall countertops on the kitchen island. “He had done so much hard work, and it was crazy what he did to improve the flow and create a way more spacious home that felt brand new,” Whitney says. They could also imagine the ways easy cosmetic changes—namely paint, lighting, a new backsplash, and furnishings— would make the house their own. “We wanted to embrace what he had done and build on it,” the

54 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

designer says. “It was perfect because we could move right in, and Sofia could be comfortable and safe in a renovation we could manage.”

While the pandemic brought the opportunity to relocate, the time spent at home also reignited Whitney’s passion for interiors. After more than a decade in marketing strategy and user experience design, she made the leap to interior design with the launch of her business, Meet West Studio. The name is a nod to the couple’s time on the coasts—particularly California, a locale that continues to inspire her casual, effortless style. AH

The Romanoffs created arched openings that lead from the main living spaces to both wings of the house. “It feels more intentional,” Whitney says.

IN GOOD SHAPE

In the dining area, a pedestal table with a fluted base was the starting point; its round shape softens the harsher angles of the seating. “We added pops of black throughout the house, and the chairs have that bold, dramatic line that balances the lighter tones, too,” Whitney says. A linear light fixture speaks to midcentury-modern influences around the home.

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 55

“We like to balance bright, neutral spaces with something colorful and bold.”

—Whitney Romanoff BEFORE

“Oakmoss” Sherwin-Williams

WORK IN STYLE

Stephen’s office is enveloped in a deep green hue, from the walls and ceiling to the trim and door. “You’ve got to commit, and the result is usually so much better,” Whitney says of the all-over approach to paint. The art is an abstract piece by Mr. Jago, one of Stephen’s favorite artists, and the console is from designer Sarah Sherman Samuel’s collaboration with Lulu and Georgia.

56 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

BEFORE

“Gentleman’s Gray” Benjamin Moore

ARTFUL RETREAT

The Romanoffs turned a living space near the primary suite into a cozy destination for sipping after-dinner drinks and listening to records. As in the office, the paint color defines the mood and makes the space feel “like a big hug,” Whitney says. A gallery wall displays pieces collected from and inspired by the couple’s travels while incorporating the frame TV into the design.

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 57

“I wanted to come back to a space that was quiet, dreamy, and very neutral.”

—Whitney Romanoff

58 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

“Wabi” Color Atelier

RESTFUL RETREAT

In the primary bedroom, Whitney and Stephen covered the walls with a limewash paint to give them a plaster-like finish and add to the room’s layered neutrals and textures. Curves in the lighting—both the funky bedside sconces and undulating piece overhead—bring movement to the space. “We thought the vaulted ceilings were just begging for a bold light fixture,” Whitney says. “I love the organic nature of the circle, and it gives it that pop of black, too.”

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 59

MASTERFUL MIX

The Romanoffs also used one of Color Atelier’s limewash paints in the primary bath, where its dusty peach hue plays well with the tile and wood tones. A chandelier made of ceramic circles over the clawfoot tub creates an artful blend of new and old, and vintage-inspired sconces flanking modern mirrors have the same effect on the vanity.

“Linen Beige” Color Atelier

60 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

Two-year-old Sofia’s room takes on a 1970s feel with a rust-colored palette, sculptural bouclé furniture, and a windowpane plaid rug.

“She’s a funky girl, and this room is so her vibe,” Whitney says.

Design Resources CONTRACTOR (ORIGINAL RENOVATION) Ben Shipley, Collective Capital Partners (Dallas, TX) INTERIOR DESIGN Whitney Romanoff, Meet West Studio ACCESSORIES AND FURNITURE 410 Vintage Market and Meet West Studio APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More ART, BEDDING, CARPET, FABRICS, HARDWARE, LIGHTING, MIRRORS, RUGS, WALLPAPER, AND WINDOW COVERINGS Meet West Studio COUNTERTOPS AND BACKSPLASH Arkansas Granite and Marble and Emcar Marble & Granite FLOORING Red Oak Flooring Co. PAINT Benjamin Moore, Color Atelier, and Sherwin-Williams PAINTING Blue Indigo and Next Level Home Improvement UPHOLSTERY Joe Ellis Upholstery

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 61

CHANDELIERS & PENDANTS | CEILING FANS | BATH | SCONCES | OUTDOOR

STYLE THAT WILL BE REMEMBERED PROVIDING UNSURPASSED PERSONAL AT TENTION TO EVERY DETAIL

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62 At Home in Arkansas | May 2022

Windows & Doors

Photo by Rett Peek. Design by Providence Design

TRENDSETTERS

Call on a local renovation professional to get your home makeover underway A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 63

Photo by Pollari Productions | Constructed by AMCO Restoration

T R E N D S E T T E R S

AFTER: BENTONVILLE

éLAN Creative In 2009, Julie R. Rodriguez founded her interior design-build firm, éLAN Creative, with a mission to help people live better in their spaces. “We design functional solutions to improve our clients’ quality of life, work, and play,” Julie says. The company takes on new construction as well as remodel projects, and Julie describes the renovation process as a rewarding

one. “My goal for every renovation is that when it’s complete, it looks like it was always meant to be.”

When starting a renovation, Julie’s first step is to consider how a client will live in the space. “The past couple of years have impacted the world in so many ways, and we are seeing our homes differently,” she says. “The design of homes is changing as a result.

Floor plans are less open, clients are requesting to ‘feel like they’re on vacation’ while at home, and there’s a higher focus than ever on kitchens for meals at home and healthy cooking.”

Aesthetically, Julie sees more and more people embracing new traditional style. “Personally, I love that look so much. It’s the perfect blend of clean, simple lines with meaningful elements.”

Julie R. Rodriguez 704 S Main St. 479.268.8246 elancreative.co @elancreative

BEFORE:

64 At Home in Arkansas |May 2022

T R E N D S E T T E R S

Debi Davis

Debi Davis | Debi Davis Interior Design | 2222 Cantrell Road | 501.221.2032 | debidavisinteriordesign.com

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 65

T R E N D S E T T E R S

HOT SPRINGS

Emcar Marble & Granite Carlos Gallegos, Sr., founded Emcar Marble & Granite in 1999 after his experience in construction led him to a passion for countertop fabrication and installation. While working primarily in kitchen and bath remodels, he found this part of the process to be the most rewarding. Now, Emcar Marble & Granite has a 15,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse where their team works with commercial contractors and residential builders as well as directly with homeowners.

“We take pride in our work, quality craftsmanship, and the fact that we are family owned and operated,” Carlos says, noting that his knowledgeable staff is handson in helping customers source the perfect piece of stone. As for current countertop trends, Carlos says clients are taking more risks for a modern, bold style. “We are seeing more straight runs and lots of requests for custom waterfalls and full-height backsplashes, which we really enjoy.”

Carlos Gallegos, Sr. 2400 Spring St. | 501.625.7194 emcargranite.com | @emcarmarblegranite

SPRINGDALE

Emcar Stone Studio After graduating from the University of Arkansas, Carlos G. Gallagos knew he wanted to build on the family business his father had founded with Emcar Marble & Granite. The two worked together to open a sister studio, Emcar Stone Studio, in Northwest Arkansas in fall 2021. “In college I fell in love with the area, noticed the growth, and knew I needed to be back here,” Carlos says.

Emcar Stone Studio’s showroom

has more than 200 slabs of countertops available to view, plus a knowledgeable team available to assist in any project, from kitchen and bath remodels to fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. “Basically, anywhere you can lay stone, we can make that happen,” Carlos says.

While quartz has been the recent trend in countertops, Carlos sees natural stones such as marble, granite, and quartzite making a comeback.

Carlos G. Gallegos 3807 S. Thompson St. | 479.365.7144 emcarestone.com | @emcarstonestudio

66 At Home in Arkansas |May 2022

T R E N D S E T T E R S

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May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 67

T R E N D S E T T E R S

LITTLE ROCK

MLH Designs, Inc. Interior design is the “perfect blend of architecture and art” for designer Meridith Ranouil, Allied ASID. She opened MLH Designs in 2003, and since then, has won multiple awards and achieved the level of Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer.

Meridith is often hired in the early planning stages of a space. “I love collaborating with architects and contractors to perfect the space planning and kitchen and bathroom design of a home,” Meridith says. From there, she

helps select fixtures and finishes as well as the finishing touches, like fabrics and art, to create exactly the home the client is envisioning.

“I take my clients’ style and tastes and put it through my filter. The end result is typically clean and simple,” Meridith says. “I have the ability to give the client guidance beyond aesthetics. I can listen to and successfully interpret the wants and desires of my clients and help navigate the day to day details of the entire renovation process.”

Meridith Ranouil, CKBD, Allied ASID 501.766.0594 mlh-designs.com @mlh_designs

EL DORADO

Douglas Stanton Architect

AFTER:

BEFORE:

Douglas Stanton received his Master of Architecture degree from Princeton University before starting his career as a licensed architect in Los Angeles in 1992. Since then, he’s founded a multi-disciplinary design firm, Douglas Stanton Architect, to implement his passion for custom design and relocated to Arkansas.

While he also takes on commercial work, new construction, and landscape design, Douglas enjoys the unique challenge of making a home the best it can be. Because he’s had

DOUGLAS STANTON ARCHITECT

68 At Home in Arkansas |May 2022

the opportunity to remodel historic homes, he’s stylistically versatile.

He modernizes existing homes with the latest technologies while artfully transitioning the character of the original style to what is new. No matter the project scope, his priority is to realize the personal tastes and lifestyles of each client through custom designs. He is skilled at designs that incorporate indoor and outdoor living seamlessly. Based in El Dorado, Douglas Stanton is available for work across the state.

Douglas Stanton, NCARB 608 East 5th Street 310.629.9748 w w w.dstantonarchitects.com

T R E N D S E T T E R S

5 Ways to Wake Up Your Walls 1

Punch up your décor with a color, treatment, or pattern that spans the room

2

1 BRING IN PATTERN WITH WALLPAPER

Photos by Rett Peek

Whether it’s an accent wall, a ceiling, or an entire room, wallpaper sets the tone in a room. With its current popularity, you’ll find everything from traditional botanicals to moody prints available.

Design by Restructure Design 3

2 ADD STYLE WITH TILE

Sure it’s functional, but tile can also be fun. Create works of art with mosaics or go for a tailored look with borders in a coordinating hue or material.

3 GET BOLD WITH PAINT

Design by B. Interiors 4

Design by Finley Design Group 5

Go all in with a vivid hue that will instantly enliven your room. The best thing about paint is that it’s a quick fix, so not to fret if you want to change up the look down the road.

4 DESIGN WITH DIMENSION

Whether with paneling and planks or molding, millwork features give a room texture and can catch the eye.

5 FRESHEN WITH FABRICS

Have a window you’d prefer to hide or simply want to bring a sense of softness to your space?

Go wall-to-wall with a favorite drapery panel or use the fabric in a wallcovering application.

Design by The Vibe Interiors

Design by J. Lawrence Design

May 2022 | athomearkansas.com 69

T R E N D S E T T E R S

Melissa Hall Simmons

studio-mh.com @studio.mh.design

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Seaside Pools & Spas Founded in 1967 and now in its third generation as a family business, Seaside Pools & Spas is a trusted destination for all things poolrelated. Their team has constructed over 5,000 pools and can help you design and install a new pool or renovate an existing one. “Just by changing the plaster color, coping, or accent tile, your pool can appear brand new,” says a member of the Seaside Pools & Spas sales team.

“Switching from all white plaster to a darker color is an easy swap

that gives a completely new look to dated pools.” The team at Seaside Pools & Spas begins each project with a client meeting where they are able to prioritize the homeowner’s wants and needs, including swim-up bars, benches, tanning shelves, and lighting, all of which can create an environment for families to make lasting memories. They can also assist with all necessary maintenance and equipment repairs, and their two retail stores make it convenient to pick up supplies and accessories.

4686 N. Thompson St., Springdale | 479.756.6543 1301 S.E. Walton Blvd., Bentonville | 479.271.9933 seasidepools.com

70 At Home in Arkansas |May 2022

T R E N D S E T T E R S

On Edge Once you select a style, material, and finish, you may think your countertop decisions are done—but don’t forget the edging.

Choose from a stylized bevel, a safeguarded bullnose, or a contemporary look (among others) to top off your cabinetry

STRAIGHT EDGE

QUARTER ROUND (TOP & BOT TOM)

QUARTER ROUND

FULL BULLNOSE

DEMI BULLNOSE

HALF BULLNOSE

BEVEL

OGEE EDGE

CUSTOM HOMES & REMODELING

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N OT E S

Photo by Rett Peek

E N D

MEET THE ARTIST

Amber E. Lea Her Art

Arkansas Inspiration

Clay is Amber’s true passion and has been her medium of choice since discovering the pottery wheel at age 10.

Nature. “I love watching the four seasons change, hiking Mount Nebo, and looking at rock formations, caves, and waterfalls. These are ancient lands inhabited by many before us. I appreciate this, and I am mindful that it’s a privilege to walk the same grounds freely.”

Work Evolution For the past eight years, she has focused on making jewelry as a way to get her art out into the world. “Jewelry is my interpretation of installation art, using the person to carry tiny sculptures that I created.”

On the Horizon Amber’s new jewelry line is set to launch this summer. In addition, she’s working on larger sculptural pieces and wall art using various types of clay.

Go-to Color Combo Black, white, and gold. “I’ve been including terracotta with this classic trio lately to add a bit of contemporary warmth.”

Meaningful Creations “It gives me so much happiness to see a piece I’ve made have a purpose. The simplest thing, like watching someone sip warm coffee from a mug I made, brings such satisfaction. I think it’s because it elevates everyday life and makes that moment just a little bit sweeter.”

GIVEAWAY Watch our Instagram (@athomearkansas) in the month of May for a chance to win this pair of porcelain earrings created by Amber.

72 At Home in Arkansas |May 2022

Find Her Work Amber’s art is available at the Crystal Bridges Museum Store in Bentonville as well as Beyond Cotton 2 in Little Rock. Learn more at amberelea.com or follow along on Instagram (@amberelea).

EENGLISH PLASTIC AND COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER

EENGLISH

DR. JIM

YOUNG. BEAUTIFUL. TIMELESS.

Y YOU.

(501) 227-9556

1-800-390-3223

Suite 950, Medical Towers II 9501 Baptist Health Drive Little Rock, AR 72205

www.SURGEONCOSMETIC.com