Date: July 2, 2019 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Tiffany Adams |
In Hot Springs Village, designer Sandy Sutton helps a couple revamp the hub of their lakefront home
Jane and Tom Weiss’s kitchen makeover started with what they thought would be a simple stovetop switch. “From one little conversation, we ended up totally gutting the room and changing its style,” says designer Sandy Sutton of Sandy Sutton’s Design Center. Originally from Jonesboro but having lived all over the world, the Weisses settled in Hot Springs Village to enjoy the community, golf, and, of course, the lake.
BEFORE
However, overly formal furnishings and rich colors were detracting from their view. “Everything was tired and faded, so they really wanted something that would allow them to breathe easier and not take away from the amazing view,” Sandy says. They also wanted it to be easy to maintain and welcoming for guests. “Since they are on the water, they entertain all the time,” Sandy says.
Turning the kitchen’s desk into a service bar created a space for them to set out appetizers and beverages, while new backless barstools provide kitchen seating for guests without obstructing views. Overall, an updated palette of white and gray with hints of blue points the focus to the water and the natural setting.
“They are so much fun to work with, and they have an understanding of design and how they wanted the kitchen to function for them,” Sandy says. “Tom came to me one day at the end of the project and said I was like a tamed jalapeño: You give us all the fire and spice, but it’s very easy on us and on the eyes, he explained. I think that’s a true compliment,” Sandy says.
“They really wanted something that would allow them to breathe easier and not take away from the amazing view.”
— Sandy Sutton, designer
BEFORE
SINK WITH A VIEW
Outside the sink window, Jane and Tom have a view of their covered porch and boat dock as well as Lake Desoto beyond. Sandy updated the area by removing a dated window treatment, lightening the palette to a gray and white scheme, and installing new cabinetry as well as quartz countertops. Sconces on either side of the sink offer additional task lighting and bring air to the space.
FUNCTIONAL FIXTURE
Sandy notes function was at the forefront of the faucet selection. “They often cook with large containers when entertaining, so the faucet needed to be tall to accommodate those. We also didn’t want it to get lost with the expanse of windows.”
PENDANT PANACHE
Seeded glass fixtures illuminate the working and eating areas of the irregularly shaped island. “These catch the eye but don’t stop the eye,” Sandy notes, “and they are low-maintenance.”
GRAPHIC HARDWARE
Polished nickel pulls are a streamlined finishing touch on the cabinetry that coordinates with the room’s palette. “I had been waiting for a place to use these,” Sandy says, “and they play well with this room’s architecture.”
BRILLIANT BACKSPLASH
A glass-and-stone backsplash tile brings personality to the bar. “We wanted something that wasn’t ho-hum,” Sandy says of the selection. “It’s a small space, and the colors really light up that area.”
Makeover Tip: During the renovation, the Weisses donated countless goods to the Hope Movement House in Hot Springs where they can be reused by those in need. Consider donating, selling, or repurposing anything not used in your remodel.
BEFORE
OPEN BAR
A far wall that formerly housed a desk and concealed storage is now a workhorse of a different form, a bar and built-in buffet area for entertaining. Two base cabinets offer a place to stash larger serving pieces and small appliances, while glass-front upper cabinetry allows the Weisses to display crystal stemware and serving pieces. Jane often uses the counter to serve appetizers when hosting, and a built-in beverage fridge encourages guests to help themselves to drinks.
Design Resources
CONTRACTOR Household Solutions INTERIOR DESIGN Sandy Sutton and Kim Edmonds, Sandy Sutton’s Design Center ACCESSORIES Phoenix Interiors and Sandy Sutton’s Design Center APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More CABINETS Smedley Cabinets CARPET, FLOORING, AND TILE Trent’s Floor Solutions COUNTERTOPS Stone World Designs FABRICS, FURNITURE, AND HARDWARE Sandy Sutton’s Design Center FIXTURES AND LIGHTING Sanders Plumbing, Lighting & Hardware PAINT Sherwin-Williams PAINTING Osman PaintinG RUGS Hadidi Rug & Design Gallery UPHOLSTERY Joy’s Upholstery WINDOW COVERINGS Accessories for the Home
