Homes
The Art of a Home
A Fayetteville home boasts artwork from local artisans and craftsmen, creating an inviting and one-of-a-kind space
BY
Allison Cook
PHOTOGRAPHY
Brian Meredith
STYLED BY
Allison Cook

A dramatic Ashley Saer painting holds a place above the mantel in the living room, while the furniture's overall neutral color palette allows choice fabrics and pillows to bring everything together.
Even this casual bar area benefits from original art.
In this guest room, Dixie selected a palette of cool neutrals and wooden furnishings.
Interior designer Dixie Pittillo, Allied member ASID of Shepherd Interior Design in Pine Bluff, was thrilled when an old college friend contacted her to design the family's Fayetteville home. "We moved from a smaller home in the heart of the city, and really wanted someone to oversee each aspect of the home," says the homeowner. "We wanted someone we could be honest with, and who understood our family and our style." For Dixie, the job was exciting because she was able to begin working on the home's design from the floor plan and continue through the finishes, furnishings and artwork. "It's always fun when you're able to create a home from the ground up," Dixie says. "It gives you a chance to take the family's personalities and lifestyle into consideration in every phase."

The homeowners wanted an environment that would be nurturing and comfortable for their two young children, as well as inviting to friends and family. Dixie also worked to blend the couple's personal styles. "The husband is drawn to more contemporary lines, but they both still wanted a comfortable and timeless home that their kids could enjoy." "We want people to feel like they can walk in and put their feet up," says the homeowner. "But, we also wanted it to be a beautiful space, and Dixie found that balance." Artwork was also a major consideration when planning the home. "When we started the interior," Dixie says. "I discussed with the homeowners their existing art collection, and what they wanted to add immediately for the new house, as well as plan for future acquisitions. We definitely didn't want to fill every space, leaving no room for future finds."

Dixie and the homeowners decided to commission a variety of works for the home, from traditional pieces like oils on canvas, to an art glass chandelier, iron railings and faux-finishes. "What makes this home so unique is the range of handmade, custom artwork," Dixie says. "From the art hanging on the walls to light fixtures, sculptures and the extensive metal workings, the entire home is art." L&L Metal Fabrication in Fayetteville played an integral role, custom crafting everything from the handmade railings on the staircases to the one-of-a-kind desk in the office and the cabinet backsplashes in the kids' playroom. "The guys at L&L were so easy to work with," Dixie says. "I would have a vision of something, and they were more than willing to create it for us. They were able to put my imagination into form."

Dixie and the homeowners are all very pleased with the finished home. "Dixie let us be involved throughout the process, and always offered several choices for everything," says the homeowner. "It allowed us to have the options we wanted, and still follow her overall design goal. We could also be totally honest with her, and if we didn't like something, she always had more ideas." Dixie finds the home a true testament to art. "We were able to incorporate so many local, talented artisans and craftsmen, including the custom-designed herringbone wood floors from Wood Flooring Gallery, the cabinetry from Verser Cabinets and the doors from Imperial Doors, all in Springdale. The home is truly a testament to Arkansas artists."