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At more than 7,000-square feet, the 2007 Build for the Cure Idea House is a stunning Spanish-Colonial home that calls to mind the spectacular residences of old Hollywood. Nothing complements a home of such grand stature more than beautiful landscaping and amazing outdoor spaces, and that’s exactly what Clint Morris and David Chappell of Morris-Chappell Landscaping and Neptune Pools and Chris Olsen of Botanica Gardens brought to 21 Bella Rosa Court.
Upon arriving at the house, a lush front lawn designed by Morris-Chappell Landscaping features El Toro Zoysia grass, which performs well in both sun and shade, making it ideal for both the front and side yards. “The front of the house was so balanced and straight forward that we wanted to keep the landscaping symmetrical,” says David Chappell. “We chose a number of plantings that would help maintain that Spanish-Colonial, old-Hollywood look and complement the architecture of the home.” To that end, arborvitae trees were planted next to the street and in the beds, with their slim look echoing the columns across the front porch, and as they grow, they’ll only become more streamlined. Japanese maples and Yaupon holly trees were also incorporated near the house, with pansies, white and coral Encore azaleas and Indian hawthorn to add color.
The centerpiece of the backyard is the saltwater pool designed and installed by Neptune Pools, which features jets that arc water across the pool, and effect that is especially stunning at night. Chappell and Morris chose this design because not only does the shape boast an Old-World appeal that complements the home, but it also encourages gathering around and in the pool. At only five feet deep, the pool includes a bench that encircles the inside to allow friends and family to sit comfortably, and the depth is ideal for water sports like volleyball. “This is a really great ‘hanging out’ pool,” says Chappell. “With the sunning area at one end and the built-in bench, it’s the place everyone will want to be.”
Surrounding the pool, Olsen created several unique seating areas that allow the space to be enjoyed in a myriad of ways. A seating area accessible from the master suite via a pair of dramatic French doors is outfitted with a quartet of apple green chairs and matching tables, with five small pots filled with Silverado sage and English ivy making a natural boundary without obscuring the view. At the opposite end of the pool, Olsen designed a relaxing space encompassing a trio of bronze chaise lounges by Winston, which are available at Ken Rash’s of Arkansas, accented with casual pillows. Large glazed pots filled with tall spiral junipers and euonymous create a unique focal point and border between the outdoor chapel. Nearby a quartet of Jensen Jarrah lounge chairs with apple-green cushions create an unexpected conversation area centered around an extra-large water pot filled with water lettuce. |
The Hanging of the Greens
Since mid-winter festivals in ancient Roman times, wreaths have been popular decorations on doors and tabletops. Though wreaths can be found in modern homes all year round, they’re especially popular at Christmas time, evoking a classic holiday symbol. In fact, the evergreen boughs most wreaths are made of symbolize immortality and the strength of life, while their round shape is indicative of the eternal nature of God’s love, especially meaningful at this time of year.
To explore the endless possibilities inherent in the wreath’s basic form, we asked three Arkansas florists to create wreaths in a variety of styles. When you begin selecting a wreath, it’s important to decide where you’ll display it. Fresh botanicals work best for exterior display, although silk wreaths can weather the elements in protected outdoor areas. For indoors, silks are often a better choice if you want to display the wreath for an extended period of time, as heat will dry out fresh cuttings, which can’t be continuously watered like your fresh tree. Beyond greenery, also consider including elements like fruit and berries, as in the round wreath designed by Cabbage Rose in Little Rock.
Once you’ve decided on your materials, it’s time to think about style, shape and colors. Whether your holiday décor is strictly traditional or more modern and eclectic, the classic circular wreath isn’t the only option. Swags are also a popular choice for display on doors, like the one created by Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe in Conway. For a contemporary style, look beyond reds and greens. Fairy Tale Florals in North Little Rock designed a wreath in shades of blue and chocolate brown, incorporating unexpected elements like peacock feathers.
![]() Rather than creating a traditional circular wreath, Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe in Conway made a vertical swag of pine boughs decorated with silk trimmings in brighter shades of holiday green. Hydrangeas, peonies, silver dollar eucalyptus and amaranthus—along with a gold and green bow—in lime and celadon contribute a lighthearted feel. |
![]() Gilded pinecones and magnolia leaves provide the base of this wreath, from Cabbage Rose in Little Rock. For texture and color, red and purple berries are layered on top, and the wreath is crowned with a brocade bow. |
Outdoor Living
Tuscan Getaway
Encompassing roughly 1,500 square feet, the rear loggia and patio of Ray and Elise Mitchell’s Fayetteville home offers Mediterranean-style outdoor living thanks to exterior designer Daniel Keeley of DK Design in Fayetteville. Combining custom furnishings and upholstery with natural materials for a rustic, Tuscan-inspired aesthetic—accented with hardy, evergreen plantings for texture—Keeley incorporated all of these elements to create spaces that complement the home’s stucco exterior, from the outdoor breakfast and dining areas to the more intimate living areas.
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