Kaufman by Design West
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From the Editor
There are oh-somany reasons to fall in love with fall. For football fans and avid hunters, a chill in the air signals the return of their favorite sports. For families with young children, it’s all about pumpkin patches and costume parties. Personally, my favorite thing about the dip in temps is that I can comfortably enjoy my screened-in porch or take an evening walk around the neighborhood again. I miss the outdoors during those triple-digit days!
Another reason so many people call this their favorite season is the anticipation of gatherings with loved ones. True, it’s not quite time to trim the turkey or deck the halls, but most folks are already thinking ahead to those holiday get-togethers. Such occasions were top of mind when designers Chris H. Olsen and Katie Rees each set about to customize their homes. (Designers: They’re just like us!) Curious to have a peek inside? You’re in luck—this issue is At Home with the Pros, and you’re invited to step right in.
Happy fall, y’all!
Stephanie Maxwell Newton, Editor in Chief STEPHANIE@ATHOMEARKANSAS.COMReader Responses
Your responses to Discover Fayetteville & Springdale from our August issue
“I love this, especially the way they recognized Terra Studios!”
— OLIVIA T., VIA FACEBOOK
“So grateful for each of these places and the people who create them.”
—SARAH L., VIA FACEBOOK
“Wonderful list and great photos!”
—NWA MAKERS GALLERY, VIA FACEBOOK
LatestLittle Rock designer Jayson Cain opened a second storefront in September. Located at 8206 Cantrell Road, this shop features contemporary, colorful furniture and décor mixed with traditional elements for a transitional twist on Jayson’s signature style. A few doors down at his original store, Jayson Cain Interiors , shoppers can still expect the antiques and luxury bedding they’ve grown to love in a refreshed setting. Follow Jayson on Instagram (@jaysoncainid) for updates on his new venture.
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).
Et Alia Press , an independent book press based in Little Rock, has put out a call looking for submissions for an upcoming title. The project, temporarily dubbed Grandparent Homes, is led by Des Arc native Adam Carl Smith , who has moved, renovated, and personalized his grandparents’ house into his own. The book is a collection of accounts from others who also live in the homes once occupied by their grandparents and the memories, stories, and feelings that experience evokes. Submissions close December 1. For information on submitting a home, visit etaliapress.com/grandparent-homes.
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James Hayes blown glass vase and vintage Murano glass bowl with gold flecks.
Curations Home, Little Rock 501.416.4951
Lilac swirled vase and small purple vase. Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock BEARHILLINTERIORS.COM
Clear vase with lime interior. Cobblestone & Vine, Bentonville and Little Rock COBBLESTONEANDVINE.COM
1 Stacked crystal cube candle holder. Cobblestone & Vine, Bentonville and Little Rock COBBLESTONEANDVINE.COM
2 & 3 Vintage candy dish and blue glass object. Providence Design, Little Rock PROVIDENCELTDDESIGN.COM
4 Green glass bowl. Lighting Emporium, Springdale LIGHTINGEMPORIUM.COM
5 & 6 Gray bubble vase and lavender vase. Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock CANTRELLFURNITURE.COM
7 Crystal bookend (comes in set of 2). Kaufman By Design West, Little Rock KAUFMANLUMBER.COM
8 Vintage Murano glass bowl. Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock BEARHILLINTERIORS.COM
9 Blown glass lamp. Sugartown Mercantile, Stuttgart SUGARTOWNMERCANTILE.COM
Bedding Bests
Rest easy when you make your bed with luxe linens, cozy coverlets, and plush pillows from local boutiques
BAILEY DOUGAN1 “India” sham with scalloped flange in an assortment of colors from Matouk. 2 Amity Home “Akin” tri-colored striped coverlet in Saddle, “Dalton” quilt in Natural, and “Dempsey” super throw in Asphalt. 3 The “Gouache” duvet cover is a contemporary canvas of colors from Signoria Firenze. 4 Sferra’s Estate collection brings an understated sophistication to your space; the collection comes in nine colors, including White/Lunar, shown here.
Local Retailers
AMITY HOME
Casey Sarkin Interior Design , caseysarkininteriordesign.com Cynthia East Fabrics , cynthiaeastfabrics.com
ANN GISH
Art of Design , shadavari.com Casey Sarkin Home , 479.530.0686
Cobblestone & Vine , cobblestoneandvine.com Curations Home , 501.416.4951 Fig Modern , figmodern.com
ANNIE SELKE
Casey Sarkin Home , 479.530.0686 Cobblestone & Vine , cobblestoneandvine. com Cynthia East Fabrics , cynthiaeastfabrics.com Debi Davis Interior Design , debidavisinteriordesign.com
DEA
Jayson Cain Interiors , jcaininteriors.com
MATOUK
Bear Hill Interiors, bearhillinteriors.com Cobblestone & Vine , cobblestoneandvine.com
ORCHIDS LUX HOME
Debi Davis Interior Design , debidavisinteriordesign.com Providence Design , providenceltddesign.com
SFERRA
Bear Hill Interiors, bearhillinteriors.com Jayson Cain Interiors , jcaininteriors.com
SIGNORIA FIRENZE
Jayson Cain Interiors , jcaininteriors.com
Please note that while we have listed local retailers for each of the items shown here, vendors may only have these pieces by special order. Additionally, many of these lines are available to the trade through your favorite local interior designer.
5 The “Monroe” dual-layer bed throw is a light-weight, 100% cotton blanket from Orchids Lux Home. 6 Dea’s “Colibrì” print features a whimsical hummingbird motif on sheets, quilts, duvets, shams, and pillows. 7 The “Draftsman” quilt from Annie Selke is inspired by traditional Indian kantha quilts. 8 Matouk’s “Duma Diamond” sham is printed on 500 thread count Luca Egyptian cotton percale in an assortment of colors.Open shelving offers a place to display cherished objects. “I really like to collect vintage décor, and I have a lot of things from my great grandma,” Miah says. Alongside the custom hood, the floating shelves create the effect of a feature wall.
The Perfect Mix
In Conway, interior designer Miah Millan creates a fresh take on Mediterranean style in her kitchen and dining space
For Miah Millan, moving into her new home presented the opportunity to fill the space with character and charm. As an interior designer herself, she envisioned giving the 1980 Conway residence a “modern Mediterranean feel,” which is a nod to her husband’s culture. “Eduard is from Spain, and we’ve been lucky enough to get to travel there and experience the architecture and interior design,” Miah says. “I really fell in love with that style, so I wanted to bring that into our home and blend it with American style.”
Eduard helped bring Miah’s vision to life, contracting the project himself. First, they removed the wall separating the small kitchen and dining room to make one functional area. “Creating a flow between the two rooms was the main goal,” Miah says. “Having that open space for the lifestyle that we like to enjoy—being able to sit at the table and talk while someone is in the kitchen—was important to us.” The original kitchen was gutted, and the couple added a mix of open shelving and Shaker-style cabinetry painted sage green (“Honed Soapstone” by Sherwin-Williams). “I wanted the green cabinets to give it more of an earthy feel, and I definitely didn’t want to do an all-white kitchen,” Miah says.
White, gray, and organic wood tones keep the palette
fresh, while brushed brass hardware and a custom curved range hood—which the designer plastered herself—bring warmth and additional interest to the space. “We have lots of arches throughout the house, so I was trying to bring more of that curved shape into the kitchen to contrast with the very linear Shaker cabinets,” the designer says.
After settling into the space, Miah says she and Eduard are still enjoying its look and functionality more than ever. “I walk in there every day, and I just can’t believe it’s my kitchen,” she says. “It just has that classic feel to it, where I don’t think it’s going to go out of style anytime soon.”
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BRASS BEAUTY
Brushed brass sconces highlight the open wood shelves and their displays. “The finish brings a warm tone that fits perfectly with the other natural elements,” Miah says. The style’s milk glass shade and retro-inspired shape reference the vintage elements illuminated below.
2
TIMELESS TEXTURE
An important part of the room’s Mediterranean inspiration is the custom range hood, which Miah applied herself. “We finished it with a plaster to give it this rough, very handmade-feeling texture,” she says.
3
ORGANICALLY INSPIRED
A skinny subway tile from Spain stacked vertically lends a contemporary feel to the space. Miah says the tile’s matte finish, vertical application, and subtle variations in hue create visual interest.
4
REFRESHED AND REFINED
For the countertops, Miah replaced yellow Formica with a white quartz and paired it with brushed brass hardware and fixtures, including a bridgestyle faucet from Kohler. The diamond-patterned windows, original to the house, give the space a cottage charm.
—Miah Millan, designer
“Now, when we do have family over, there’s space for everyone. It makes a big difference.”Design Resources CONTRACTOR Eduard Millan, Uno Mas Contracting INTERIOR DESIGN Miah Millan, Miah Millan Interiors ACCESSORIES The Junktion Flea Market APPLIANCES, FIXTURES, AND FLOORING Miah Millan Interiors CABINETRY Quality Trim, Inc. COUNTERTOPS Conway Marble & Granite FURNITURE Miah Millan Interiors and SandersSaw Productions TILE ProSource of Little Rock
The Fashion Files
Art prints, faux leather, and statement studs are the hottest looks for cooler weather
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SPRINGDALE’S LITTLE EATALY
n a recent Wednesday afternoon at Zelli Pasta in Springdale, a hard-working pasta extruder is pumping out a steady stream of casarecce into a shallow white plastic container. Mitchell Owen, who co-founded Zelli with his wife, Angelina Bowen, reaches into the container and fishes out a single piece. Rolling the ochre-colored pasta between two fingers, Mitchell notes that the texture is far different than normal grocery store pasta. “It's extruded out through bronze dies and being cut to size, so the bronze die is what's leaving the texture on the surface of the pasta," Mitchell says. “See, it's got these little ridges on it."
“I would say it almost looks like little spider webs all over the outside," Angelina says. “But that texture is gonna grab onto your sauce whenever you're making pasta."
There is no Italian nonna who imparted pasta-making expertise, no reclaimed Italian heritage driving the enterprise forward (Mitchell’s family roots are Welsh; Angelina’s are French, among others). Rather, what gave rise to everything within Zelli—which has been open just over a year now—was COVID. “A lot of mom-and-pop businesses were birthed out of the pandemic—and this was kind of the same story," Mitchell says. Early in the pandemic, the pair found themselves making pasta sometimes five times a week. That enthusiasm then sparked a conversation in which Mitchell said: “You know, I really wish I could just make pasta every day."
“I said, ‘Sure,’” Angelina says, “‘Let's make pasta every day.’” Which is how the couple ended up with a pasta extruder taking up the lion’s share of space on their kitchen island.
Although the initial plan had been to set up shop as a cottage-food business, Angelina and Mitchell quickly realized that this wasn’t going to be compatible with their two dogs—in no small part because the dogs acquired a taste for the pasta drying in their home office. In time, the couple heard about a commercial space on Emma Avenue in Springdale, just up the road from their home in east Fayetteville. It was perfect.
Since opening in July 2022, the couple says they’ve learned a fair amount that has helped shape the scope and trajectory of their business; you can’t churn out between 28,000 and 30,000 pounds of pasta over the course of a year and not learn a few lessons along the way. But they also learned that they needed to offer items beyond just pasta.
Along with Mitchell and Angelina’s pasta offerings, this is where Zelli the storefront truly shines. To examine the shelves is to feel like you’ve been transported to some distant Mediterranean clime. Shelves upon shelves of imported canned tomatoes bear brands you’re not likely to find anywhere else locally. Closer inspection of a rack of bright circus colors reveals a stunning selection of canned fish. A small refrigerated section punches well above its weight with French butters and Italian cheeses.
When asked how they’ve managed to curate such a remarkable selection of normally hard-to-find products, the couple explains it wasn't quite what you'd expect. There was
no schlepping across Europe, no chance meetings with familyrun producers in small Italian villages. All of that research and tasting was conducted from the comfort of their home, but it was transportive in the same way that pasta-making had been for them during the height of the pandemic. Angelina credits Instagram as a tool for sourcing products. “Once you start kind of getting in that rabbit hole, you see a lot of really good options,” she says. “We can read the ingredients and be able to tell what's gonna be good or not by the way it's made.”
Ultimately, this notion of finding the best ingredients they can get is at the heart of what drives the store: Everything is about simplicity. The best product is made from the best ingredients. Simple as that. Want to try your hand at making your own fresh pasta? Read on for Zelli’s instructions on preparing ravioli at home.
PURPLE SWEET POTATO RAVIOLI
PURPLE SWEET POTATO RAVIOLI WITH BROWN BUTTER SAUCE
RECIPE
Yields about 35 ravioli, or 4-5 servings
SHOP
For the pasta dough
400 grams (1.5 cups) organic durum semolina flour, plus extra for dusting
4-5 large eggs
For the filling
2 large purple sweet potatoes
1 package (16-ounce) of whole milk ricotta (Zelli recommends basket ricotta)
¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (or Parmesan cheese), grated
1 lemon, zested and juiced salt, to taste
For the brown butter sauce
½ stick butter
¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
1-2 fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon pasta water
kosher salt, to taste
Notes: This recipe calls for a pasta sheeter, which can be purchased at Zelli or any kitchen supply store. Use durum semolina flour rather than allpurpose flour for all steps, including dusting.
PREPARE
To make pasta dough, weigh out 400 grams (1.5 cups and a scant more) of durum semolina flour and place on a large, flat surface. Create a well, and crack eggs into the center of the well. Use a fork to gently whisk the eggs into a smooth mixture, gradually incorporating flour from the inner wall of the well into eggs. Once the flour and eggs are fully incorporated, use a bench scraper to scrape from the bottom of the dough. Knead dough for 6-10 minutes, rotating 90 degrees as you go. Dough ball is ready when it looks smooth and has a gentle bounce when poked on the top. Wrap completely in plastic and let rest at least 10 minutes (or up to one day, refrigerating if so).
To make the filling, bring a pot of salted water to boil while you peel and dice sweet potatoes. Boil sweet potato pieces until fork tender, then drain and mash through a ricer (or with a fork) into a large bowl. Combine the mashed potatoes with ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt to taste. (Mitchell and Angelina recommend starting with half the lemon juice, then adding more as desired.) Transfer filling to a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to fill ravioli.
To make and fill the ravioli, cut dough ball in half and flatten with a rolling pin until thin enough to fit through the widest setting of a pasta sheeter (typically about ¼ inch thick). Begin to run the dough through the widest setting of the sheeter , gradually going through each setting until you reach the second to finest, and flouring the dough in between each setting to prevent pasta from sticking. Final product should be about 2 millimeters thick and 6-8 inches wide; Mitchell and Angelina recommend cutting the single long sheet into 18-inch lengths. (Repeat steps with second half of the dough ball.)
Lightly dust pasta sheet with flour and lay flat. Starting at one end, pipe filling down the center of the length of one pasta sheet , leaving about 2 inches between fillings; dollops should be about 1 inch wide and ½ inch tall. Then fold the bottom of the sheet over the piped filling, working down the length of the sheet, so that all filling is covered with dough. Try to make sure edges line up and there are no wrinkles.
Using your thumb and index finger on both hands, press down along the three
USE YOUR NOODLES
Zelli currently sells 14 dried pasta shapes, each boxed in bright yellow packaging designed by Angelina. In addition to their Springdale storefront and farmers markets around the region, Zelli can also be found at almost 30 retailers across the state. Angelina and Mitchell also offer a small batch of fresh, filled pastas—such as lasagna, ravioli, and tortellini—available for pre-order and walk-ins. Visit zellipasta.com to shop and find out more about their offerings.
sides of each dollop of filling, pushing out any air. Using a fluted rolling cutter (or pizza cutter), cut out each square ravioli , discarding pasta scraps. Place ravioli on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and dust with flour
To make the sauce and finish the ravioli, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Swirl butter occasionally to ensure even melting. Add sage. As butter melts, it will start to foam; when the color changes from a light golden to a deep, nutty brown (usually after 5-7 minutes), remove from heat immediately. Remove sage leaves, add pasta water, and swirl to form sauce. Meanwhile, place ravioli in boiling water, then drop the heat to medium-high. Ravioli are cooked through when they begin to float (usually 2-3 minutes).
Gently remove ravioli once fully cooked and add to brown butter sauce Toss or stir to coat evenly, then add Parmigiano-Reggiano and continue to combine. Add more pasta water if sauce becomes too thick. Plate and garnish with grated more Parmigiano-Reggiano, and serve immediately.
The ducks were there before the rice, Fara Foster explains. We’ve stumbled upon the answer to this chicken-or-the-egg type riddle while discussing Stuttgart, which is both her new home and her hometown; her family moved away following sixth grade, and she returned only recently. “To say I’m a little bit like a duck out of water is probably fitting,” she says with a laugh.
In her day-to-day as executive director of the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, Fara’s role is to help share the history of the region, dating all the way back to its pioneer beginnings. “The museum came out of an idea from our founder, Bennie Burkett,” she says. “She wanted to do something that preserved the history and the memories of the original prairie pioneers who came to this area sometime during the late 1870s to 1880s—her father being one of those people.” In addition to the museum’s 20,000 square feet dedicated to such subjects as waterfowl conservation, the advent of agricultural economy, and rice and soybean production, its artifacts also include outdoor structures. Visitors can tour a pioneer-era one-room schoolhouse and a reproduction church on the museum’s property, for example.
The museum tells stories that not only explain the city’s past but also help draw connections to the wider region; after all, Stuttgart is just one piece of the Grand Prairie, which itself is one of the five subregions of the Arkansas Delta. Many of the museum’s visitors, Fara says, seek out those narratives that connect the dots from one county to the next. “What I’ve noticed is that Saturdays are our daytripper days. We get folks from a two-hour radius from all over the state who hit up museums in a variety of different areas,” she says, listing the Arkansas Post in Gillett and the Plantation Agriculture Museum
in Scott as nearby examples. “It’s really cool that Arkansans get in their cars and drive to visit other areas’ museums. And they share their experiences with you.”
Lee Ann Hoskyn, chair of Stuttgart’s Advertising and Promotion Commission, echoes this sentiment. “I’m a daughter of the Delta, and Delta people aren’t afraid to travel,” she says. A Wabbaseka native, Lee Ann rattles off restaurants an hour away alongside those in town as some of her favorites. She’s a cheerleader for the city, encouraging all to come visit what the locals call “Sugartown.” “From Little Rock, it’s a great place to drive to for a day trip of shopping,” she says, noting that in addition to the boutiques along downtown’s Main Street, the Grand Prairie Farmers Market (open through October) is a favorite on Saturdays.
Running from Little Rock to Memphis, Interstate 40 bisects the Delta, forming a delineation between what's referred to as the Upper and Lower Delta—another rough attempt at defining a region by borders and markers. In reality, the Delta is a web of communities, and each has ties to its agricultural beginnings while looking forward to the future. For Fara and the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, that means finding ways to continue engaging current visitors, whose ideas have inspired some of the museum’s recent programming. “A lot of the seasonal exhibits have come out of input from our guests during our Coffee with the Curator presentations,” she says, referring to a monthly educational program at the museum. “Someone will mention something and it leads to research in that particular area. It’s really interesting, the things that come out of people coming in and sharing their stories.” Read on for more of our favorite ways to discover the Delta, from Stuttgart to Wilson and Lake Village.
SHOP
Located in Stuttgart’s historic downtown, SUGARTOWN MERCANTILE (sugartownmercantile.com) has become a destination for a mix of local art, cheeky home décor, gourmet pantry goods, and even a curated selection of vintage finds. If shopping from afar, their website offers shipping. COKER HAMPTON DRUG COMPANY (cokerhampton.com) and BUERKLE DRUG & GIFTS (870.673.1311), also in Stuttgart, are Main Street mainstays that continue to thrive as the downtown area is revitalized. In the Upper Delta, BLYTHEVILLE BOOK COMPANY (blythevillebookcompany. com) is a reimagining of the town’s beloved The Bookstore in Blytheville. BBC offers a cheery atmosphere for perusing the shelves for your next favorite read—and vinyl records, too.
DINE
In Lake Village, RHODA’S FAMOUS TAMALES & PIES (870.265.3108) is known across the state and beyond for the late Rhoda Adams’s mouth-watering tamale and pie recipes. Drive north through McGehee and you can’t miss HOOTS BBQ (870.222.1234), where you'll want to fill up on pulled pork and chopped brisket. 420 & TURNROW COFFEE (870.946.0452) in DeWitt offers a menu of salads, sandwiches, tacos, and nachos with ingredients sourced from local farms. In Jonesboro, visit the outdoor food truck park HUNTINGTON SQUARE (huntingtonsquare.net) to choose from a variety of mobile cuisines, including pizza, Mexican, and smoothies.
VISIT
Blues enthusiasts from all over the world flock to Helena every fall for the KING BISCUIT BLUES FESTIVAL ( kingbiscuitfestival.com), this year held October 4-7 with Grammy Award-nominated Tab Benoit and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band headlining. On October 14, Weiner plays host to the annual ARKANSAS RICE FESTIVAL (arkansasricefestival.com), which celebrates the role this crop has played in the area’s livelihood with a parade, contests, rice cook-off, and more. The Downtown Jonesboro Alliance presents JONESBORO FALL FEST (downtownjonesboro.com) on October 21 in Union Park. Here, shop vendor booths, eat at local food trucks, and enjoy crafts and live music, all in a family-friendly atmosphere. In Blytheville, the newly revamped RITZ CIVIC CENTER (ritzciviccenter.net) presents a line-up of special events and movie screenings, including a showing of cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show on Halloween night. For an educational experience, visit ROHWER JAPANESE AMERICAN RELOCATION CENTER (rohwer. astate.edu) in McGehee. This museum explores themes of both injustice and hope through the stories of the people who were incarcerated there during World War II.
STAY
For an overnight visit in the Upper Delta, book a room at THE LOUIS HOTEL (thelouishotel.com), Wilson’s new boutique hotel; be sure to grab a nightcap at Staple, its lobby bar. In nearby Jonesboro, INTERSECT 311-APART HOTEL (intersect311.com) offers a convenient stay right off downtown’s Main Street. For accommodations in duck country, head to BOYD FARMHOUSE INN (boydfarmhouseinn.com) in DeWitt, where amenities include complimentary breakfast and access to the restaurant and bar serving a menu of Southern favorites.
Say ‘yes’ to guests with entertaining essentials suited for the fall season
Calaisio
Patterned
Westlake Plumbing offers the best of both new construction and ongoing service
Westlake Plumbing has been providing central Arkansas clients with the best in construction plumbing for over 50 years. What makes your company stand out in the industry? When I began running the company 32 years ago, I realized if we could assemble a quality team, we could overcome many of the unfavorable experiences that clients had on their projects. Our speciality is designing custom piping systems, and we collaborate with designers, manufacturers, and vendors to achieve the latest in technology and fixture selection for the client’s home.
Tell us about your team. Our entire staff is our greatest asset. Each
project begins with our office team understanding specifications of a project and merging it with homeowner expectations. We then mobilize all the materials in advance to maximize our installation process. Our skilled plumbers and apprentices make every design come to life; they are the backbone of the experience, and I count them as some of the best in their craft.
What kind of services does your sister company provide? While Westlake Plumbing specializes in new construction and larger remodels, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is our service company that focuses on solutions for existing homes. Each of
our service plumbers are equipped to resolve any challenge that could arise, from locating leaks, unclogging sewers and drains, and providing camera work. This service naturally reinforces our commitment to serve our customers past the initial build.
Both companies are growing, with a second location opening in Maumelle this fall! What makes you excited about growing your business? Adding the Maumelle location will bring our vision closer to the Little Rock area. We hope to add more skilled team members to help enhance our ability to continue earning the confidence of our existing and future clients.
Neutral Ground
In Little Rock, designer Katie Rees creates a comfortable haven for her young family
When you know, you know. After learning they were expecting their youngest son, Caleb, designer Katie Rees and her husband, John Aaron, knew a move was in their future; they also knew when they had found the perfect home for their growing family. “Our other house sold really fast, and all of a sudden we needed a place to live, but there was nothing on the market,” Katie says. A friend mentioned a house in the framing stage that could be a great fit for the Reeses. “We walked through it, and I was like, This is our house,” Katie says. With kids ranging in age from 14 to almost 2 years old, the layout seemed ideal for their family of six. Upstairs, two bedrooms and a shared playroom are a retreat for the older kids, while the ground floor houses the primary bedroom along with separate bedrooms for their two younger children. Working with builder
Chris Maris, who had initially started the project, Katie took the reins on decisions for flooring, paint colors, tile, lighting, and other finishes, opting for neutral hues throughout the design. “I love doing bolder stuff and can do pretty much any style for clients, but for my own house I just wanted it to feel soothing and like a retreat. I think these colors accomplish that,” she says, pointing to the palette that includes rich creams, light tans, and brighter whites.
During the build, Katie and John Aaron’s son Caleb was born with Down syndrome and medical complications. Today, he happily receives therapy and care at home in his bedroom. “His room was slated as an office on the plan, but the size was perfect for him and the equipment he uses for therapy,” Katie says. “As a believer, it’s like God knew what we needed. I really do look at this house and think it’s exactly where we are supposed to be.” AH
FULL CIRCLE
For holidays and more formal dinners, the Reeses’ dining room can seat up to 10. A mix of white and wood continues in the space, where a custom table built by Turner Custom Millwork is paired with upholstered chairs from the couple’s previous residence. “I think it’s a fact that dinners last longer when you have a circular table,” Katie says with a laugh. The table’s finish is echoed in a stain treatment on the built-out oak ceiling.
ISLAND DINING
When Katie took over the home’s plans, she redrew the cabinetry scheme to include a massive 14-foot island that can accommodate her entire family. “I can seat all my people and their friends here,” she says. “I can also have eyes on everyone in all the adjoining rooms.”
Tracy Rivers of AF Decorative finished the island base with a paint treatment that mimics the finish on the floors, adding to the warmth and continuity found throughout the spaces.
“I really do look at this house and think it’s exactly where we are supposed to be.”
—Katie Rees, designer
COHESIVE FLOW
Although she had worked with numerous clients on open-concept floor plans, Katie had not lived in one herself. “I’ve loved it for our phase of life—and I’d definitely pick it again— but this style of home is trickier to decorate,” she says. To this point, she chose one neutral color (“Swiss Coffee” by Benjamin Moore) for the walls in all the connecting spaces, including the living room, kitchen, hearth room, and dining room. “When you walk in you see everything, so I wanted to make sure nothing was too busy and everything was cohesive, soft, and soothing,” she adds. A mix of shapes and textures, as well as pieces by local artist Lori DeYmaz flanking the fireplace, bring interest to the large living space.
BLUSH BEAUTY
“Brooklyn was actually one of the only kids who got a new room,” Katie says of her 12-year-old daughter’s space. Not having refreshed her space since the little girl days, Katie sought to create a bedroom Brooklyn could grow into and still be excited about when she is 16. Pink accents were a musthave but otherwise, mom was given free reign to come up with a dreamy space.
NATURE-INSPIRED NURSERY
“We gave Caleb the biggest room, because he has the biggest need—and really uses all the space,” Katie says, noting he takes physical therapy on the floor and has storage space for medical equipment. Katie made the large room feel warm and welcoming by layering grasscloth and beadboard on the walls. While Caleb sleeps in his crib across the room, the daybed offers a place for snuggles and for big sister, Gracie, to occasionally sneak in and stay with her best friend. A grid of framed vintage bird prints, all pulled from a book that belonged to Katie’s grandmother, are a special, personalized touch.
AWAY FROM THE DAY
Katie and John Aaron had lived with a mix of bedroom furniture since they married in 2018. “I had not done a bedroom for us, and I was determined to do it in this house,” she says. “I wanted us to have a soothing room to go to at the end of the day.” Finding serenity in neutrals and rich textures, she deftly wove them together to create a room that is as cozy as it is refined. The artwork over the bed is by Little Rock artist Heike Talbert. Seated in one of their comfortable swivel chairs is Willow, the family’s cavapoo.
NATURALLY LIGHT
Having never remodeled one of her home’s baths, Katie admits “this is the first time I’ve actually liked a bath I owned.” Varied textures and shapes give visual interest, while pieces like the standalone tub are as practical (especially for the younger kids’ bath times!) as they are pretty.
Farmhouse
The living room fireplace surround uses the same fieldstone seen on the exterior of the home but with tailored rather than organic shapes. An olive green down sofa is a favorite napping spot, while an antique lamp and clock mix with pieces from Botanica Gardens.Reimagined
ROOM AT THE TABLE
A blend of textures creates a warm, cohesive environment in the dining room. The newly vaulted ceiling is outfitted with tongueand-groove boards that add character and pair with the 12-inch pine plank flooring. The table, which has a reclaimed boiler as its base, seats 10 comfortably. A contemporary chandelier and sconces give a polished balance to the design.
PORCH TIME
Chris designed the screened porch with three sets of French doors that connect to the living room, allowing it to function as an extension of the home and gathering place during parties. “I love to have my doors open and not worry about the bugs,” he says of the concept. Searching for “just the right blue,” Chris painted the ceiling three times before landing on a custom hue that plays well with the stone floor and industrial furnishings.
call it my lake house without the lake,” Chris H. Olsen says of his farm retreat on the outskirts of Lonoke County. Wanting a place where he could get away from his day-to-day duties in the Little Rock metro but still be available in less than an hour’s drive, he purchased this property in 2020. “The goal was to be in the country but close to Edgemont,” Chris says, referencing his primary residence that doubles as an event venue in North Little Rock.
As luck would have it, friend Byron McKimmey of McKimmey Associates, Realtors had recently purchased approximately 300 rural acres and was happy to parcel a rather generous lot to Chris. “The thing that sold me was it had everything: woods, hay fields, a beautiful pond, a barn, and a house that was very redeemable. It
had good bones,” Chris says.
After purchasing the property, he set out to make it his own— the circa 1950s house in particular. As the owner of Botanica Gardens and Plantopia, many people know Chris’s work as a landscape designer. However, he also has a passion for interiors, which he put on full display in the residence. “My goal was not to make it a Pottery Barn farmhouse. It’s very much a mix,” he says. To this point, eye-catching architectural features—from the wooden tongue-and-groove ceilings to a herringbone wall treatment in the bath—carry throughout the home. Favorite market finds, vintage artwork, and storied collectibles are layered on top, giving the feel that the home has evolved over time—and will continue to do so. “We call it The Big O Farm, and I want it to be a legacy that I leave for my family,” Chris says. AH
GREEN LIVING
Inspired by a kitchen seen in the movie The Shack , Chris opted for green beadboard cabinetry. Friend and designer Scott Paterek of Massimo Interiors worked with him to maximize the layout, prioritizing a large island for both work and gathering. “We actually redrew the plans after finding the antique display cabinet,” Scott says, pointing to a piece that houses numerous collectibles. “When we saw it, I knew it was a great piece that would give a look that was unexpected and not so built-in,” he adds. A simple, stained-glass window over the range brings charm and plays well with the room’s gold accents, which include a farmhouse sink.
Reallocating square footage from what was previously a guest bedroom allowed Chris to expand the primary bedroom and closet. Windows that were removed in other areas of the home were reused here, offering a view of the barn from the bedroom. A framed cartoon he found at an estate sale in Little Rock’s historic Quapaw Quarter hangs over the bed. “It’s a little guy sitting on a fence—just like the one on the property here—looking out at the landscape; It’s me!” he says of the now personal piece.
Design Resources
SOAKING SPACE
A laundry and mudroom that previously adjoined the primary bedroom was relocated to extend the bath into the space where the vanities are seen. Wallpaper with a cornstalk motif reflects the rural setting while pre-stained lumber laid in a herringbone pattern gives the walls character without feeling too “basic farmhouse,” Chris says. The hammered copper tub and Carrera marble floors bring a timeless sense of refinement to the space. Wanting to bring dimension to the outline of the walls, Chris specified 12-inch baseboards that are two inches thick, a subtle yet defining feature seen throughout the home.
A Feeling of Peace
When Dr. Brad and Rennie Jenkins were looking to relocate from Maumelle several years ago, there were a few must-haves on the list as they shopped for a new home: First, they wanted to be closer to their children's schools in Little Rock. Second, they needed enough space for their large family of seven to be comfortable; even with kids eventually moving out for college, the couple wanted rooms for everyone when they came home for holidays. Lastly, Rennie envisioned a home with interiors that would inspire peace and calm.
The Jenkinses worked for years with friend and Realtor Brandy Harp before finding this gem in west Little Rock. “As soon as I set foot in the house, I could see it—I could see light colors, peace, and tranquility,” Rennie says, describing how she looked past the dark wood trim and black accent colors to envision her future home as it is now.
Though she had an idea of the mood she wanted the home to convey, Rennie desired the help of professionals and turned to several industry friends to help bring her vision to life. “While
looking at homes with Brandy, we walked into this one house where I said, ‘This is not the house, but I love the exact way it’s decorated. Tell me who the designer is and I want her phone number,’” she recalls. That designer was Amber Doggett of Vivid Designs; she helped Rennie pick out furniture, fabrics, lighting, and finishes using a palette of neutral hues accented with blue and gold to reflect a sense of serenity. She also introduced a quatrefoil motif, a pattern that reappears in subtle ways throughout the design. “I wanted every room to connect to the next room, and that’s part of what we did with the repeating patterns,” Rennie says.
Outside her work as a Realtor for Jon Underhill Real Estate and his as a doctor (working both at Baptist Health Family Clinic–Lakewood and as director of the emergency department at Baptist Health Medical Center–North Little Rock), Rennie and Brad both strive to find ways to give back to their community. One such opportunity is through Home for Healing, a nonprofit organization that provides no-cost lodging for cancer patients
A passion for peaceful living inspires both the personal home and community efforts of Dr. Brad and Rennie Jenkins, chairs of Home for Healing’s 2023 Monster BashPhotos by Christa Masters
and their caregivers (along with others in need, such as those with loved ones in the ICU or NICU). Just as she values tranquility in her own home, Rennie believes there’s a healing property to having a comfortable, inviting place to lay your head—all free of charge—while undergoing a stressful experience. “It’s a restorative environment, and it just gives the people some sort of peace while they’re going through something horrible,” she says. “I just love what it stands for.”
This year, Brad and Rennie are proud to be chairing the organization’s largest fundraiser, Monster Bash. Held every year on the last weekend of October, the event is a Halloweenthemed soirée attracting upwards of 600 guests and boasting food from 10 local restaurants, music from Tragikly White, and
a costume contest that Rennie says can get quite competitive. “It’s the funnest party we go to all year,” she says. “Because everyone’s not in a suit and tie, they let their hair down, they dance.”
In 2022, the event sold out and raised $215,000 for Home for Healing. This year, the organization’s 20th anniversary, the goal is $250,000—every bit of which will go toward the efforts of Home for Healing. “Because of what Brad does, he sees firsthand the trauma these families go through,” Rennie says. “You can only do so much as a medical professional to help them, but this is something that anybody can do that makes such a big difference.”
Monster Bash is October 27 at The Venue at Westwind. Visit homeforhealing.org for tickets and more information.
—Rennie Jenkins, homeowner
“As soon as I set foot in the house, I could see it—I could see light colors, peace, and tranquility.”
COURAGE We see your
COURAGE
At Baptist Health, we see you.
We see your struggles. We see your victories. We see your sacrifice. And we’re honored to support you at every stage.
This October, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Baptist Health wants to remind all women over the age of 40 to schedule their yearly mammograms.
Regular mammograms are critical in ensuring breast cancer is caught early—and earlly detection is vital. This screening could be your most important appointment this year to ensure your health.
Baptist Health’s Breast Centers, clinics and hospitals are committed to providing a safe and comfortable atmosphere for your exam. We offer a comprehensive program of services and specialties for breast health, including:
• Mammogram
• Breast Ultrasound
• Stereotactic Core Biopsy
• Ultrasound Core Biopsy
• Lumpectomy & Mastectomy
• Chemotherapy
• Invenia ABUS 2.0 for Dense Breasts
To schedule your mammogram, call 1-888-BAPTIST (227-8478) or visit BaptistHealthMammo.com
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Metabolic Health
Meaning Well
Meeting health and wellness goals can be a tricky equation to work out. Read on for reminders to keep your body performing at its peak
60+ million
Number of women in the United States living with some form of heart disease, according to the CDC. Many people do not know that heart disease—including coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and heart failure—is the leading cause of death in American women. Talk to a doctor about your risk factors, especially if you have high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease. 40
150
Age at which most people should schedule their first mammogram. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so start a conversation today with your primary care physician about your family’s medical history and remember to do monthly self exams, too.
5 Keys to a Healthy Plate 1 2 3 4 5
Recommended minutes of moderateintensity activity per week for all adults, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Examples of activities that will get your heart pumping are brisk walking, water aerobics, gardening, and cycling at a leisurely pace. Combine these activities with stretching, strengthening exercises, and more vigorous activities (such as jogging, hiking, swimming, or tennis) for maximum health benefits.
Ways to Improve Memory Health 7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Do some sort of physical activity every day, even if it’s using the stairs instead of an elevator, or taking a 10-minute walk after work.
Stimulate your mind through activities like reading, doing puzzles, or knitting.
Spend time with others, either through social interaction or volunteer work.
Stay organized—both on paper and mentally. Keep a calendar or to-do lists, and limit distractions so you’re not trying to do too many things at once.
Get enough sleep, meaning at least 7-9 hours a night.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet, and limit alcohol, which may lead to memory loss.
Stay on top of medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and obesity. Talk to your doctor about how any medications you take to manage these conditions may affect memory.
Half of your plate should be fruit and vegetables—the more color and variety, the better! While vegetables provide many of your daily nutrients, fruits are a healthy way to get your sugar fix, and some have the added benefit of anti-inflammatory properties.
Fill a quarter of your plate with lean proteins such as fish, poultry, beans, and nuts. Limit red meat and cheese, as well as bacon, cold cuts, and other processed meats.
The final fourth of your plate should be devoted to a variety of whole grains , such as whole-wheat bread and brown rice. Try to avoid refined grains, like white bread, pizza dough, pasta, and pastries, which have less nutritional value and can cause spikes in blood sugar.
Fats play an important role in nutrient absorption, cell growth, and helping you feel full, which makes them an important part of your diet. Use plant-derived oils , including olive oil and canola oil, rather than seed oils for cooking and in salad dressings.
Finally, turn to water as your main source of hydration. Limit dairy, juice, alcohol, sodas, and other sugary drinks, and you’ll see the benefits of H₂O reflected in everything from your skin to digestion and joint health.
2023
Best in Health & Wellness
Whether you’re seeking medical attention or desire more aesthetic treatments, call on these Arkansas professionals to keep you feeling your best
Baptist Health
As the state’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit health care organization, Baptist Health addresses a range of medical needs in clinical and hospital settings—including heart health, orthopedics, back and spine issues, women’s health, weight loss, and cancer.
Locations Statewide | 888.227.8478 | baptist-health.com
Bowen Hefley Orthopedics
With a focus on patient care, education, and rehabilitation, Bowen Hefley Orthopedics strives to help patients achieve pain-free mobility. Offering everything from physical therapy to surgery, their specialists can help you navigate all your options.
Locations Statewide | 501.663.6455 | bowenhefleyortho.com
English Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center
Dr. Jim English and his staff offer services ranging from deep laser treatments and injectables to complete cosmetic surgery—all to help you look and feel your best. Non-surgical treatments include facials, microneedling, permanent cosmetics, and more.
Little Rock | 501.227.9556 | surgeoncosmetic.com
Marina Lifestyle Medicine & Holistic Aesthetic
Whether you want to address medical concerns or cosmetic features, Marina Ivanovsky, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, approaches each appointment holistically, customizing a solution for every client. Among her services are testing and lab work, IV therapy, nutrition and cooking classes, skincare products, and injectables.
Little Rock | 501.204.3111 | marinalifestylemedicine.com
Pain Treatment Centers of America
The caring team at PTCOA, which has clinics and surgery centers around the state, wants to help patients overcome chronic pain and be in control of their lives. Call them to relieve pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and numerous other conditions.
Locations Statewide | 844.215.0731 | ptcoa.com
Sheila Cotton
A field of Mississippi snow rises to meet the dusky horizon in Sheila Cotton’s “Moon in Libra.” The moon is low, casting a hazy glow over the cotton and a nearby shed, whose rusty tin roof signifies it’s seen many a harvest season. The piece represents a slice of rural South, a subject matter Sheila has returned to time and time again since moving back to the Natural State 13 years ago. “You’ve got to leave the South to kind of get it,” she says, describing years spent in Canada and then South Florida. “All those other experiences compounded, and I feel I can relate to both kinds of people—those who have left and come back, and those who have never left.”
While her previous bodies of work have focused on the human figure and landscapes from her time in Florida, the decade-plus she’s been back in Arkansas has found the artist turning toward scenes like the one pictured here, which
is based on a field in Eudora. “Here, both in Arkansas and this time in history, modern life is so much retail and traffic, it pushes you out into what I’m going to call ‘the country’ to find beauty,” Sheila says. Details such as scarecrows and small town water towers have all drawn her attention—and her camera lens, as she snaps reference photos for future early morning painting sessions. “I like my turpentine with coffee,” she says.
Sheila’s paintings have become known for their agrarian settings, though she finds herself exploring more suburban interests currently; her most recent work is a series of swimming pools. “I just paint what I love,” she says.
“Usually it is some old artifact in a field or the little odd corners, sort of old Southern genteel artifacts. You have to paint what you love. Otherwise, why bother?” Sheila’s work is available at sheilacottonart.com.