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Welcoming Scene

March 28, 2020 by Stephanie Maxwell Newton

In Conway, designer Tami Risinger helps a couple build a forever home where they can enjoy time with loved ones

As the wife of a builder, Susan Salter grew accustomed to a certain pattern: Her husband, Gene, would build a beautiful home and move their family into it, only to move out again when the home sold to a client. “When we had our four boys, I knew I couldn’t do that anymore, so we stayed in our last house for 26 years until they were all out on their own,” she says. As grandchildren began to enter their lives, the Salters desired a home well-suited to their next chapter of life. They decided to build in their beloved city of Conway and worked on plans for a home where the entire family—sons, daughters-in-law, and grandkids included—could gather, putting special emphasis on rooms for the kids and places for them to play….

Formally Theirs

March 28, 2020 by Stephanie Maxwell Newton

In the Heights, Heather and Arnoud Krijt design a new construction home that feels perfectly them

Not many couples start planning their new build several months into dating. But then, not much about Heather and Arnoud Krijt’s story is typical. She, an interior designer with a background in ballet and bio-chemistry, and he, a Dutch native who moved to the U.S. in college to play golf, met while Heather was living in Dallas. “He said, I’m going to build a house and I think you should help. I was like, I just met you!” Heather recalls, laughing….

Currently Classic

March 28, 2020 by Stephanie Maxwell Newton

Designer Melissa Haynes works with a Fayetteville family to create a new home filled with beloved furnishings, fresh colors, and plenty of charm

When Melissa Haynes first met her clients—Tonia and Brad McMakin and their son, Matthew—she sensed they were ready to build a home they would enjoy for decades to come. The couple found a site in an area particularly dear to them; Brad is the golf coach at the University of Arkansas, and this neighborhood houses the team’s practice course. “They have such a sense of community here, and really wanted to put down roots in this neighborhood,” Melissa says….

In Full View

February 18, 2020 by Tiffany Adams

With dedicated zones for cooking, dining, swimming, and relaxing, this central Arkansas backyard maximizes the homeowners’ downtime

Nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains along Lake Maumelle sits a contemporary farmhouse with a backyard retreat built with one thing in mind: the view. “The views here are spectacular, and the owners wanted to capture the dramatic landscape down to the lake and across to the rolling hills,” says interior designer Kim Brockinton of Kim Brockinton Interiors. Working with contractor Bill Parkinson and waterscape designer and landscape architect Jason Brownlee, Kim was able to help her clients, who are also longtime friends, create a space where both they and their two children could entertain friends throughout much of the year….

Step Right Out

February 18, 2020 by Tiffany Adams

Better Lawns & Gardens maximizes space in a Little Rock backyard to create an escape for the owners

When David Munsey, III, general manager of central Arkansas’s Better Lawns & Gardens, first saw Martha and Dr. Vent Murphy’s backyard it was nearly a blank slate. “When you walked out their back door, there was a patio and several flower beds, and that was basically it,” he recalls. The Murphys, who enjoy entertaining and spending time outdoors, wanted to open up the space and make it more usable. Working with David as well as Tobi Fairley of Tobi Fairley Interior Design (who also designed the interior of their home), they were able to create spaces for grilling, gathering, and downtime. …

Gathering Place

February 18, 2020 by Tiffany Adams

With bursts of color and a thoughtful layout, Chris H. Olsen brings style and function to a cottage-sized outdoor area in Little Rock

When Dr. Rhys Branman and Leslie Harmon called on Chris H. Olsen to design their landscape, Chris immediately pictured the backyard as an intimate, comfortable living space for the couple and their friends. “They entertain a lot, and I wanted the design to be functional, cozy, and to make their outside an extension of the inside,” Chris says.

First, Chris planted ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae along the fences shared with neighbors for added texture and privacy. “Our goal was that when they’re entertaining, they feel like they’re in their own private world,” Chris says.

Another major step was replacing all of the existing hardscaping with flagstone for a more level surface and consistent feel throughout the design. Right off the home’s back door sit two circle-shaped areas—one with seating and a fire pit to provide a gathering place with friends, and one with a small container garden of herbs. “That area could be used for another table or sitting area if they wanted, but right now we did a cluster of pots of herbs because they like to cook,” Chris says….

Timeless & True

December 30, 2019 by Stephanie Maxwell Newton

Comfort and authenticity abound in a west Little Rock family home

In an age of instant gratification, the adage good things are born over time still rings true. Case in point: an exquisite Colonial Revival home on the edge of the capital city.

“This is the culmination of about six years of house plans,” says interior designer Jill Lawrence. She worked with her clients, who also happen to be dear friends, every step of the way. “We were neighbors and became best friends,” explains one of the homeowners. “When our kids were little, especially on snow days, we would work on house plans. We would go over to visit, and Jill would draw the plans.”…

Blue Period

December 30, 2019 by Stephanie Maxwell Newton

A Fayetteville penthouse design employs a vivid hue to highlight its owners’ art collection

D*Face, a multimedia street artist who contributed to Fort Smith’s first “Unexpected” event to create outdoor urban art, painted this contemporary Marilyn Monroe work.

Art was at the forefront of the design conversation when the owners of this Northwest Arkansas condo contacted Chris Goddard of Goddard Design Group. “The goal was to create a modern setting to display their extensive collection of urban contemporary artwork,” says Chris, who has designed other residences for these clients as well. “The penthouse is a sharp contrast to their main residence, which is a traditional English home, and their ranch, which lends itself to a rustic and more casual environment,” he notes….

Modern Glamour

December 30, 2019 by Stephanie Maxwell Newton

Designer Georg Andersen finds inspiration in a favorite period of French design for a Northwest Arkansas living room upgrade

With geometric patterns, metallic finishes, and an air of drama, Elizabeth Hardwick and David Mee’s formal living room would have been right at home in 1930s Paris. That’s thanks to designer Georg Andersen, who transformed the previously dark, outdated space into a glamorous sitting room for his clients. “My inspiration for this space was minimalist French Art Deco,” Georg says. “Someone I’ve always admired is foremost French designer Jean-Michel Frank, and there’s a lot of his influence in this room.”…

Cozy Contemporary Christmas

December 3, 2019 by intern

From architectural features to holiday décor, designer Tami Risinger kept comfort and durability top of mind when creating this Conway family home

Laid-back and comfortable were key directives from this family when they hired designer Tami Risinger of Tami Risinger Interiors to help with their new construction home in Conway. Tami, who worked with the architect to design the house and later selected the interior furnishings, took these words to heart, creating spaces where conversation flows easily and the family of five can gather for game nights, homework sessions, and meals. “They really use every room in their home, so it was important for the design to have elements that reflect that,” Tami says. …

Welcoming Scene

Formally Theirs

Currently Classic

In Full View

Step Right Out

Gathering Place

Timeless & True

Blue Period

Modern Glamour

Cozy Contemporary Christmas

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At Home in Arkansas