Getting Back to Nature

August 18, 2016 by Norma Edwards

Designer Sean Shrum transforms a dark, outdated master bath into an organic retreat

A familiar street, a new house, and a master bath that was not everything this homeowner dreamed about. “It started out much darker. Before, there was lots of black trim, and black granite, and very heavily hand-painted, textured Italian wallpaper. It was much more glam than my client preferred,” says designer Sean Shrum of Sean Shrum Studio. The new homeowner, who is a huge animal lover and rescues animals, desired a simpler, yet refined space that was more fitting to her and her husband’s lifestyle.

With the help of Shrum, this master bathroom was transformed into a much lighter, and more natural area that gives the illusion of a small, secluded space in the woods instead of a bathroom. To create this illusion Shrum started with an intricate onyx slab in a pattern that blended with the color palate throughout the home, and then backlit the onyx around the tub with LED lighting to create a central focus point that can be viewed from all areas of the bathroom and bedroom, which are open to one another. “Rather than use a piece of art, we allowed the Onice multicolored onyx to be the art at this terminus,” Shrum says. The chandelier by Paul Ferrante was custom-made to look like a natural branch pattern and creates the aura of being outdoors. “The horizontal nature of the chandelier gives your eyes something to move to but doesn’t detract from the onyx,” Shrum notes.

The existing cabinetry by Gilmore’s Custom Cabinetry was refinished with new paint and then glazed to give it a softer, more organic feel. “It was much more slick and refined so we softened it and brought it back to an organic nature,” Shrum says.

In keeping with the neutral scheme throughout the bathroom and home, Shrum kept the vanity areas simple but dressed in natural element sources. For “his” vanity, Shrum accented the cabinets with Arteriors horn sconces, inspired by antique Russian hunting horns, to give it a more masculine feel. Since the master bath is open to the bedroom and connected by a walk-through dressing area, Shrum kept “her” vanity area more understated, yet stylish and feminine. “Anything that gets back to nature and natural elements is an underlying theme in their lives,” Shrum says of the homeowners.

Design Resources
Interior design Sean Shrum,  Sean Shrum Studio, Jonesboro, (870) 926-7326
Contractor Rick Foreman, Foreman Construction, Bono, AR
Cabinetry Gilmore’s Custom Kitchen, Jonesboro, (870) 932-7638, gilmoreskitchens.com
Lighting Sean Shrum, Sean Shrum Studio, Jonesboro, (870) 926-7326
Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide, sherwin-williams.com
Painting Guerra’s Painting, Jonesboro (870) 810-1503
Tile Laws Abbey Flooring, Jonesboro, (870) 932-5297, jonesboro.abbeycarpet.com
Mirrors Union Glass Company, Jonesboro, (870) 932-6942, unionglassar.com
Rug Blu D’or Interiors, Jonesboro, (870) 336-1435, Memphis, (901) 207-4392, bludorinteriors.com

Rustic Revival

August 18, 2016 by Norma Edwards

Jonesboro designer Sean Shrum creates a stunning kitchen that is naturally appealing

Single level homes are not easy to find, especially on the golf course, but that’s exactly the type of home this homeowner and her husband had been hoping for, so when the only single-level home in their neighborhood went up for sale, they didn’t waste any time purchasing it.

A Natural Direction
The homeowner worked with Sean Shrum of Sean Shrum Studio in Jonesboro to help transform the darker décor throughout the home into lighter shades complemented with natural elements. “The kitchen started off with a very contemporary feel,” Shrum says, even though it was outfitted with traditional elements such as the cabinets and granite counter tops. “Since her taste is more organic, and natural, we shifted gears.”

Aged and Timeless
Leaving the cabinets in place, Shrum took the existing oven hood down and redesigned it by rebuilding the mantle on it and then raising the hood up to the ceiling to accommodate the new gas cooktop. In contrast to the cabinets, the metal hood was fabricated to be reminiscent of weathered zinc patina and accented with antique wood corbels dating back to the 1800s. The hood, which takes center stage in this kitchen, is set off by the backsplash of marble tile in a herringbone pattern behind the range. “The marble has a mirrored effect of the island and the surrounding countertops are a weathered quartzite and give a soft feel in contrast to the dark black accents that were in the house,” Shrum adds.

Refined Touches
Shrum chose a darker shade for the island, painted in Sherwin Williams Griffin, and flanked it with matching antique wood corbels from the 1800s, painted with a dark finish to better complement the island. A trio of hanging lamps centered above the island adds an aged aesthetic to the kitchen. “I wanted it to look as if it had been there for a long time so I went with the antique brass rod and the black and bronze finish,” Shrum notes. The open island houses three sling back counter stools with distinctive features of cowhide and Kilim rug cushions by Lee Industries, which add a rustic element to the kitchen and offer a relaxed area for dining. “We really wanted to keep an indoor/outdoor relationship,” Shrum concludes.

Design Resources
Interior design Sean Shrum,  Sean Shrum Studio, Jonesboro, (870) 926-7326
Contractor Rick Foreman, Foreman Construction, Bono, AR
Accessories Blu D’or Interiors, Jonesboro, (870) 336-1435, Memphis, (901) 207-4392, bludorinteriors.com
Appliances Metro Appliances & More, Jonesboro, (870) 933-7800, North Little Rock, (501) 758-1988, Springdale, (479)750- 2200, metroappliancesandmore.com
Cabinetry Gilmore’s Custom Kitchen, Jonesboro, (870) 932-7638, gilmoreskitchens.com
Countertops Schmidt Countertops, Bay, AR, (870) 781-9429, schmidtcountertops.com
Furniture-barstools Blu D’or Interiors, Jonesboro, (870) 336-1435, Memphis, (901) 207-4392, bludorinteriors.com
Lighting Sean Shrum, Sean Shrum Studio, Jonesboro, (870) 926-7326
Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide, sherwin-williams.com
Painting Guerra’s Painting, Jonesboro (870) 810-1503
Tile-floors Laws Abbey Flooring, Jonesboro, (870) 932-5297, jonesboro.abbeycarpet.com

Old Meets New

August 18, 2016 by Norma Edwards

A bath design dream team brings a Chenal home into the 21st Century with a new layout, custom storage, and on-trend color scheme

The original bath in this year’s Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild’s Designer Showhouse left a bit to be desired. Planning later to put the home on the market, the owner knew that the step-up jacuzzi tub, fluted columns, and too-small shower weren’t putting the home’s best foot forward. Meridith Ranouil of MLH Designs, Alissa Oates, and Bill Wrape of Distinctive Kitchens and Baths, and Debi Davis of Debi Davis Interior Design came on board to give the bath more appeal to potential buyers and bring it up to date. First, the layout was addressed. The dated corner tub unit was replaced with a glass-enclosed shower. Where the shower previously stood, Ranouil, Oates, and Wrape collaborated on a cabinet designed to look like an over-sized piece of furniture.

On the opposite wall, Davis created a dressing area with a console and mirror from her line of reproduction furnishings, Reborn Relics. “I like to mix old with contemporary,” she says. “To make it work, we stay away from dark wood tones—washed and bleached finishes work really well in transitional spaces.” In the shower, what appears to be marble is actually a large-scale porcelain slab from Acme Brick and Tile. Ranouil chose hexagon-shaped tile for the floor, which extends just beyond the shower’s glass doors. “The room already had new hardwood floors, but hardwood and water are obviously not a good combination,” Ranouil explains, who designed the shower to slope gently toward the linear drain in the center. “A designer is only as good as the installers, and here, they did a beautiful job executing my vision,” she says. The marble-look tile inspired the room’s color scheme of gray and white. “Gold and champagne tones are very popular right now, and they can really warm up a cold color scheme,” Davis says of the brushed bronze fixtures by Delta. The adjoining master bedroom—designed by Davis—is awash in whites, ivories, and blush, so she sought to bring a hint of that femininity to the en suite. “Meridith’s design for the bath definitely had a transitional edge, so I want to make an impact with just a few key pieces,” she says.

Design Resources
Accessories Reborn Relics, Little Rock, (501) 221-2032
Cabinets Bill Wrape, CKD, CBD and Alissa A. Oates, AKBD, Allied ASID, Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, Little Rock, (501) 666-7756, kitchensofarkansas.com
Countertops Plunkett Distributing, Little Rock, (501) 565-4548
Countertop fabrication AHI Stoneworks, Hot Springs, (501) 547-3545, ahistoneworks.net
Fixtures Southern Pipe & Supply, locations statewide, southernpipe.com
Flooring—hardwoods Kaufman by Design, Little Rock, (501) 673-3978, kaufmanbydesignwest.com
Flooring—tile Acme Brick & Tile, North Little Rock, (501) 812-5574, www.brick.com
Furniture Reborn Relics, Little Rock, (501) 221-2032
Hardware Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, Little Rock, (501) 666-7756, kitchensofarkansas.com
Lighting TEC Electric, Little Rock, (501) 758-5483, tecelectric.com
Mirrors Reborn Relics, Little Rock, (501) 221-2032
Paint Sherwin Williams, locations statewide, Sherwin-williams.com
Painting Paul Green Construction, Little Rock, (501) 690-5442
Shower enclosure West Little Rock Glass, Little Rock, (501) 223-3034, westlittlerockglass.net
Tile—Shower Acme Brick & Tile, North Little Rock, (501) 812-5574, www.brick.com

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Simple Sophistication

August 18, 2016 by Norma Edwards

An outdated kitchen gets a timeless new look, just in time for its Designer Showhouse debut

This Spring, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild held its bi-annual fundraiser, the Symphony Designer Showhouse, a collaboration among designers and vendors across the state. Meridith Ranouil of MLH Designs along with Bill Wrape and Alissa Oates of Distinctive Kitchens and Baths collaborated on the remodel of the Chenal home’s kitchen. “The house was built in the 1980’s so there were a few features that really dated it,” Ranouil says. “We wanted to make it more functional and current, and give it a very classic and timeless feel.” Centrally located in the home and open to the den, the team wanted to give the space a neutral, universally-appealing makeover in preparation for the house going on the market. “This project was a little different because we wanted to appeal to nine out of 10 potential buyers,” Wrape, who has been designing custom kitchens and baths for 17 years, explains. Ranouil disguised the Palladian-style window (a popular feature at the time of the home’s construction) with a custom Roman shade.

To create a more efficient work triangle and make the space more conducive to entertaining, the team replaced the peninsula with a freestanding island. “Now, guests can sit at the island without interfering in the workspace,” Ranouil says. They also closed off an awkward entrance to the laundry room, which created wall space for a floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinet with shelves that roll out when the doors are opened. “The WoodMode cabinetry is outfitted with every feature that homeowners are looking for: corner turn-outs, pull-out trash cans, and big drawers for pots and pans,” Wrape says. “Everything is designed to be easy to use and to make things easy to find.” The cabinets extend to the 10-foot ceiling, offering valuable storage space, which is “always a selling point,” Ranouil notes, but also contribute to the kitchen’s timeless feeling. A large refrigerator is disguised behind cabinetry panels, and a professional-grade range and hood by DCS are a home cook’s dream. Ranouil and Oates chose a light glaze to warm up the white finish on the Shaker-style recessed-panel cabinets, which contrasts with the island’s on-trend green-gray washed finish. Above, a custom lantern has classic roots, but is updated to reflect current style. The Quartz counters were provided by Wilsonart and are dark on the island, and light on the perimeter cabinets. “The backsplash is one of my favorite features,” Ranouil points out. “The arabesque shape is very on-trend right now, and the muddy tone complements the rest of the finishes in the space nicely.”

Design Resources
Interior designer Meridith Hamilton Ranouil, CKD, Allied ASID, MLH Designs, Inc, Little Rock, (501) 766-0594, mlh-designs.com
Kitchen designer Bill Wrape, CKD, CBD and Alissa A. Oates, AKBD, Allied ASID, Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, Little Rock, (501) 666-7756, kitchensofarkansas.com; Meridith Hamilton Ranouil, CKD, Allied ASID, MLH Designs, Inc, Little Rock, (501) 766-0594, mlh-designs.com
Accessories Erdos at Home, Little Rock, (501) 217-0300, erdosathome.com; MLH Designs, Inc, Little Rock, (501) 766-0594, mlh-designs.com
Appliances Metro Appliances and More, Jonesboro, (870) 933-7800, North Little Rock, (501) 758-1988, metroappliancesandmore.com
Cabinets Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, Little Rock, (501) 666-7756, kitchensofarkansas.com
Countertops Plunkett Distributing, Little Rock, (501) 656-4548
Countertop fabrication AHI Stoneworks, Hot Springs, (501) 547-3545, ahistoneworks.net
Fabrics MLH Designs, Inc, Little Rock, (501) 766-0594, mlh-designs.com
Faucets and fixtures Southern Pipe & Supply, locations statewide, southernpipe.com
Flooring Kaufman by Design, Little Rock, (501) 673-3978, kaufmanbydesignwest.com
Furniture Erdos at Home, Little Rock, (501) 217-0300, erdosathome.com
Hardware Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, Little Rock, (501) 666-7756, kitchensofarkansas.com
Lighting Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, Little Rock, (501) 666-7756, kitchensofarkansas.com
Tile ProSource, Little Rock, (501) 490-9284, prosourcewholesale.com
Window coverings Designer Effects, Little Rock, (501) 661-4070, designereffects.net
Painting Paul Green Construction, Little Rock, (501) 690-5442
Rugs MLH Designs, Inc, Little Rock, (501) 766-0594, mlh-designs.com

Tuscan Flavor

August 18, 2016 by Norma Edwards

A homebuilder and his wife individualize their new kitchen with detailed accents more reflective of their style

Teresa and Reggie Clow are no strangers to creating custom homes. As the owner of Sharlow Builders and Developers, Reggie has built numerous houses throughout central Arkansas, including the couple’s current home in Alexander, which sits on four acres. However, for this kitchen, they were eager to include more intricate finishes and details that would set the design apart from their previous residence. “We really paid more attention to the common spaces in this house,” Teresa says. “We wanted a more ornate style than we had in the past.”

Working with a floor plan similar to the one they used previously, they incorporated a few new features with custom millwork and decorative tile as well as a unique glaze that is seen on the all of the cabinetry. “As you live in a home, you figure things out and realize there are details you might have done differently,” Teresa says of the changes they made to this design as compared to their former kitchen.

Four zones comprise the kitchen space, which Reggie refers to as “traditional with heavy Tuscan influence.” These zones include the main cooking area, a coffee bar, a central island, and a larger dining peninsula. The Clows are both avid cooks—with Teresa noting that Reggie is often her “sous chef in the kitchen”—and spend a good deal of their time at the six burner range along the back of the wall. This area also features a built-in pot filler for additional cooking convenience. The couple sketched the design for the hood based on similar ones they had seen and admired and then had it custom built for their own kitchen. The coffee/wet bar, located along one of the kitchen’s side walls, features design details such as a tumbled marble backsplash that is inset with medallions and a dark granite countertop that the Clows chose specifically to set it apart, and offers plenty of room for them to get their morning cup of java. “Even if you put the food in the bedroom, the kitchen is inevitably where guests gather,” Teresa laughs, “so this area has really given us a great place to serve when we entertain.”

Finally, an island combined with a bar-height peninsula offers room for casual dining as well as a food prep area. The exquisite corbels and intricate millwork featured throughout the kitchen are designed to make each piece of cabinetry look more like a standalone piece of furniture. These pieces are further defined with a glazed finish that is the work of Angelfish Studios, which Reggie frequently works with on his custom home projects to individualize them.

Design Resources
Kitchen Design Sharlow Builders and Developers, Little Rock, (501) 258-8000
Appliances Metro Appliances & More, Jonesboro, (870) 933-7800, North Little Rock, (501) 758-1988, Springdale, (479) 750-2200, metroappliancesandmore.com
Countertops Casa Blanca Granite, Little Rock, (501) 455-2520, casablancagranite.com
Painting—decorative Angelfish Studios, Little Rock, (501) 960-4826, theangelfishstudios.com
Millwork White River Specialty Moulding, Fayetteville, (800) 444-0406, whiteriver.com

Flawless Finishes

August 18, 2016 by Norma Edwards

Designer Shayla Copas left no stone unturned when designing a custom kitchen to suit her family’s needs

“I believe in trying to get the most out of a space” says Shayla Copas of Shayla Copas Interiors. And she left no detail unattended during the years-long renovation of the Little Rock-area home she shares with her husband and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Roxie. “We’re empty nesters and I run my design business out of our home, so our needs are little different,” she explains. They turned an unused bedroom into a closet and dressing space, and added a carriage house to accommodate her design business, but one of the most drastic changes came in the kitchen. “Before, it was dark and cramped, but now it is light, airy, and open,” Copas says. To accomplish this, a former hallway was narrowed allowing room to widen the kitchen, and the layout was adjusted to add more storage. Copas replaced dark wood cabinets with new WoodMode cabinets from Distinctive Kitchens and Baths, and then customized with trim, corbels, and columns.

Aside from the decorative detail these additions added, they also cleverly hide storage. The corbels next to the stove pull out to reveal hidden spice racks, and the columns that flank the sink hide dishwashing soap and grocery bags to be reused. The wall housing the pantry and refrigerator displays cabinets extended to the ceiling for storage of less-often-used items. “Through my business I have learned that it is often the woman who makes the final decision in a home, and what does every woman want but more storage,” she says. A new Wolf range, pair of warming drawers, and an additional wall oven allow for easy entertaining with large crowds.

Copas further brightened the space by layering new lighting above, below, and even inside the cabinetry. Pale yellow walls and creamy white cabinets exude a warm and bright ambiance, while the natural wood tone on the island and new mahogany flooring ground the space. Copas chose a tile mosaic from Walker-Zanger with tones of yellow, gold, and aqua for the backsplash, which is repeated on the wet bar next to the breakfast table. “I love color,” Copas explains, “but I like to keep it light and fresh.”

A butler’s pantry connects the kitchen to the formal dining room, and Copas outfitted it with a full-sized Sub Zero wine refrigerator and beverage drawers. “The renovation was long, but in the end we gained a more functional and open, airy space to enjoy with our family,” Copas says.

Design Resources
Kitchen design Shayla Copas, IDS, Shayla Copas Interiors, Little Rock, (501) 258-7396, shaylacopas.com
Contractor, appliances, and cabinets—kitchen Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, Little Rock, (501) 666-7756, kitchensofarkansas.com
Accessories, fabrics, furniture, tile—backsplash, and window coverings Shayla Copas Interiors, Little Rock, (501) 258-7396, shaylacopas.com
Countertops—kitchen All Natural Stone, Little Rock, (501) 280-9777
Flooring ProSource, Little Rock, (501) 490-9284, prosourcewholesale.com
Lighting Shayla Copas Interiors, Little Rock, (501) 258-7396, shaylacopas.com; Curtis Stout, Little Rock, (501) 372-2555, chstout.com
Rugs Hadidi Oriental Rug Co., Little Rock, (501) 225-8999, hadidiruggallery.com
Upholstery Robby Chism Upholstery, Little Rock, (501) 257-7932

Serene Escape

August 26, 2015 by agill@athomearkansas.com

Designer Tami Risinger transforms a dark, poorly organized bath into a retreat-worthy space for her longtime clients’ vacation home

Brown shag carpet and a dark, closed-off shower area aren’t ideal conditions for any master bath—especially when the bath is situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Hamilton. Luckily, homeowners Jennifer and Chris Crain knew just who to call to turn the dated bath into an inviting retreat: Conway-based designer Tami Risinger. After assessing the clients’ wants and needs, she sought to give the room an airy, calm, and light-filled design—an aesthetic that is consistent with her own sunny disposition. “I really wanted to make it serene because, here, when you walk in the door, you are on vacation,” the designer says.

Space Reimagined

Taking the room down to its core, Risinger thoughtfully reconstructed a layout that maximizes the space and allows the Crains to take full advantage of the lake view. For example, the freestanding tub is positioned at an angle near the windowed corner to allow for a private vista of nature during a soak. A walk-in shower with a built-in bench and body spray jets sits opposite the tub, making good use of the corner. At the far end of the room, the couple chose to install a steam shower, complete with two built-in lockers, which sit just outside, to store robes and slippers.

Poised Palette

“Jennifer requested lavender for the room,” Risinger says; “Her grandmother had lavender in her home and that brought back great memories for her.” Risinger set out to incorporate the pastel in a subtle yet impactful manner, beginning with the wallpaper. “I love the wallpaper because it is soft and the tree pattern is really a natural fit with the view outside,” Risinger says. A range of grays complements the lavender, showing up most notably in the tile work. Silver travertine—seen in a variety of patterns and shapes—covers the walls of the shower, the floor, and the backsplash. “You can take a natural stone and slice it so many different ways,” Risinger says of the material’s versatility. Quartzite countertops and polished chrome sconces and fixtures create a continuous flow of gray hues.

Artful Accessories

Never one to leave a space without flair, Risinger accented the functional design with eye-catching pieces. A bench with a contemporary Lucite base and Mongolian fur upholstery gives the room an of-the-moment air, while pieces of Murano glass add style that transcends time. The Lucite material is repeated in both the side table by the bath and the drapery rods, creating an elegant atmosphere from all perspectives.

Design Resources

Bath and interior design Tami Risinger Interiors, Conway, (501) 454-2575

Contractor Salter Construction, Conway, (501) 327-2807, salterconst.com

Shower and tub installation Inside Effects, North Little Rock, (501) 954-8866, insideeffects.com

Accessories, furniture, lighting, and wallpaper Tami Risinger Interiors, Conway, (501) 454-2575

Flooring, hardware, plumbing fixtures, shower, tile, and tub Inside Effects, North Little Rock, (501) 954-8866, insideeffects.com

Art Emporium Home Heights, Little Rock, (501) 313-2418, emporiumhome.com

Florals Tipton & Hurst, locations throughout Central Arkansas, (501) 666-3333, tiptonhurst.com

Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide, sherwin-williams.com

Rugs Martinous Oriental Rugs, Little Rock, (501) 224-0313, martinous.com

Steam shower Salter Construction, Conway, (501) 327-2807, salterconst.com

Window coverings Possibilities Unlimited, Conway, (501) 472-5189

The Sweet Life

August 26, 2015 by agill@athomearkansas.com

The joy of cooking is a family matter in this Little Rock kitchen

When a Little Rock couple approached Chris Milligan about building a new house inspired by the American vernacular style of architecture with lots of natural light and a “happy feel,” he knew that the open-concept kitchen and living space would be the hub of the home. The homeowner knew she wanted her kitchen to be three things—classic, seamless, and delightful, so she and Milligan worked very closely together to achieve her vision.

Classic

The kitchen has a very traditional look, with unmistakable Southern influences. “The draw of that design style goes back to my childhood, when my grandmother and I traveled to her home state of Mississippi. She grew up near Natchez, and we toured many historical homes there when we visited. The architectural details—all swirled in with the happy memories of us together in Mississippi—must have stuck with me, because I knew exactly what I wanted in a home,” the homeowner says. The timeless character of her new kitchen is expressed through an elegant, coffered ceiling, inset cabinetry with Shaker-style doors, and natural wood flooring. Milligan notes that perhaps the most traditional element of the kitchen is the color palette: “You can go into houses built a hundred years ago and see almost exactly the same kitchen. White never goes out of style; it’s crisp and clean, bright and open.”

The Carrera marble countertops are another striking and truly timeless feature of the kitchen. “I love the marble and am very happy with the choice we made. We certainly debated the pros and cons of marble, granite, and quartz. Then, one hot day, we stopped for ice cream at an historical building in downtown Little Rock. We bellied up to the bar in the old building and noticed the marble countertops that were worn, but still quite beautiful. That sealed the deal for me. I thought the marble still looked great and classic after decades of wear,” she says.

Seamless

Milligan knew the homeowner also had her heart set on a streamlined look and enhanced day-to-day functionality. To eliminate the visual clutter in a room that sees so much ongoing activity, the solutions had to be built-in: they chose paneled-front appliances and installed easy-access cabinetry designed to house small appliances and frequently used kitchen tools. “Especially in an all-white kitchen,” the homeowner says, “I like the clean look of appliances hidden or blended into the overall look.”

The kitchen’s pantry is inventively customized with dual access: it opens into the kitchen and out to an exterior, garage-adjacent loading space, or pantry room, where items can be easily stocked directly into the pantry from a vehicle. “The original plans called for an art wall where the pantry cabinet is now,” the homeowner remembers, “but I thought it would be so nice if I could just reach through this ‘art wall’ and grab things as I’m cooking. After chatting with Chris, the dual-opening pantry concept evolved into what it is now. Not only does it store our food, it also houses our coffeemaker, toaster, and microwave, which I love.”

Delightful

A number of more whimsical elements in the kitchen reflect the fun and dynamic spirit of the young family. For example, the aforementioned pantry opening is crafted to look like a freestanding piece of furniture. This piece of cabinetry is painted turquoise, and the cabinet doors and hardware—crystal egg knobs, by Emtek—are a different style than what is seen in the rest of the kitchen. “My husband loves the pop of color, because he is not keen on all white everywhere,” the homeowner says. And, on one wall in the wetbar, the backsplash is lined with antiqued mirrors for a fresh feel.

The delight of this kitchen is not exclusively visual—or even culinary, as the homeowner explains: “A designated baking area was at the top of my list, because my kids enjoy baking. I imagined a lot of birthday cakes, Thanksgiving pies, and special memories being made here. I wanted a functional space where the kids can reach the flour, measuring cups, et cetera, because I want the kids to feel independent in the space while they are creating their masterpieces.”

Special thanks to Cupcakes on Kavanaugh for providing confections for this photo shoot. Cupcakes on Kavanaugh, Little Rock, (501) 664-2253, Cupcakes at Turtle Creek, Jonesboro, (870) 275-7748, eatacupcake.com

Design Resources

Contractor, interior design and kitchen design Chris Milligan, Dwellings Inc., Little Rock, (501) 831-0729, dwellings-ar.com

Appliances Metro Appliances & More, Jonesboro, (870) 933-7800, North Little Rock, (501) 758-1988, Springdale, (479) 750-2200, metroappliancesandmore.com

Cabinetry Dwellings Inc., Little Rock, (501) 831-0729, dwellings-ar.com

Countertops Casa Blanca Granite, Marble & Tile, Inc., Little Rock, (501) 744-0387, casablancagranite.com

Flooring Arkansas Wood Floors, Little Rock, (870) 688-8788, arkansaswoodfloors.com; Forest to Floor, Little Rock, (501) 353-0746, foresttofloor.com

Florals Tipton & Hurst, locations throughout Central Arkansas, (501) 666-3333, tiptonhurst.com

Millwork and windows Lumber One Home Center, Mayflower, (501) 470-1122, Stuttgart, (870) 673-3601, lumberonehomecenter.com

Mirrors West Little Rock Glass, Little Rock, (501) 223-3034, westlittlerockglass.net

Paint Benjamin Moore, locations statewide, benjaminmoore.com

Painting Daniel Canseco Painting, Little Rock, (501) 247-0372

Painting—decorative White Goat, Conway, (501) 504-6643, Little Rock, (501) 603-9460, whitegoatstyle.com

Tile ProSource, Little Rock, (501) 791-9928, prosourcewholesale.com

Modern Sensibility

August 25, 2015 by agill@athomearkansas.com

A West Little Rock couple, who are well versed in design, create a dream master bath that will last for years to come

Charlene and Chuck Prousnitzer know the market when it comes to the latest and greatest in lighting, tubs, sinks, faucets, and other home design elements. The pair have spent their lives helping clients source the perfect items and create dream spaces—Charlene as the owner of Light Innovations and Chuck as the retired owner of PC Hardware. So it comes as no surprise they knew just what they wanted at the outset of a complete renovation of their new home’s master bath. “Because we are in the lighting and hardware business, it had to show off our product,” Charlene says. The entire project “was a labor of love between me and Jeff Junkin of Jeff Junkin Construction,” says Charlene, who holds a design degree from LSU. Contemporary in style and “loaded” when it comes to functional features, one word defines the design for both Charlene and Chuck: practicality.

Technologically Advanced Tub

At first glance, you might not think practical when you see the striking feature wall and freestanding tub that greet you upon entry into the space. “The bath was designed around the tub faucet essentially,” Charlene says. The placement was key to the floor plan in order for the waterfall to artfully fill the tub. The Carrera marble, three-dimensional wall accentuates this artistry, but functionality still reigns. For example, the Prousnitzers chose a BainUltra freestanding, heated, air-jet tub. The pinhole-like jets around the edges of the bath make for a cleaner version of a traditional jetted tub by preventing buildup. Plus, after the water empties from each use, the jets come on to blow out air, drying them and preventing mildew. Additionally, the fixture’s satin nickel finish—which is forgiving for fingerprints—also hints at the couple’s wish for sensible design. “Everything is functional but aesthetically pleasing,” Charlene says.

Shower Specs

“No matter where we moved, we knew the master bath would be redone, because Chuck and I both have specifications about how we like our showers,” Charlene notes. The couple had thermostatic temperature controls installed, which allow them each to switch on the water at a preferred temperature. “You can set it and forget it,” she says of the convenient feature. Aside from separate temperature controls, the double shower also has his and her sides. “My side has a handheld spray that we also use for cleaning, those days when because of surgery or some other reason you can’t be fully immersed in water, and for washing our dogs,” Chuck says, who notes that the shower also has a bench for ease of use. On Charlene’s side, you’ll find a wall of body spray jets installed for what she calls a “carwash-” like, quick yet relaxing effect.

Thoughtful Amenities and Materials

Aside from the bathing areas, a number of other functional features were incorporated in the design. Quartz countertops were chosen over marble for their stain-resistant quality; LED-bordered mirrors offer cross lights for additional task lighting; pop-out outlets disguise electrical receptacles; and drawers (rather than shelving concealed by doors) with soft-close guides keep the space tidy.

Concealed—but equally important—are a tankless water heater, which ensures that the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower can all perform at the same time without a water shortage, and heated floors, which the Prousnitzers keep at a constant temperature throughout the year for comfort and consistency.

Design Resources

Bath design Charlene Prousnitzer, Light Innovations, Little Rock, (501) 223-9026, light-innovations.com; Jeff Junkin, Junkin Construction Co., Roland, (501) 868-5784, junkinconstruction.com

Contractor Jeff Junkin, Junkin Construction Co., Roland, (501) 868-5784, junkinconstruction.com

Art—V.L. Cox painting M2 Gallery, Little Rock, (501) 225-6271, m2lr.com

Countertops Advanced Bath & Kitchen, Little Rock, (501) 978-7225, advancedbk.com

Flooring Acme Brick, Tile & Stone, locations statewide, acmebricktileandstone.com

Hardware, plumbing fixtures, sinks, shower steam unit, towel warmer, and tub PC Hardware, Little Rock, (501) 224-1724, pchdwe.com

Lighting and mirrors Light Innovations, Little Rock, (501) 223-9026, light-innovations.com

Millwork Junkin Construction Co., Roland, (501) 868-5784, junkinconstruction.com

Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide, sherwin-williams.com

Tile—wall Inside Effects, North Little Rock, (501) 954-8866, insideeffects.com

Window coverings American Blinds & Shutters, Inc., Conway, (501) 450-7789

Kitchen Redux

August 25, 2015 by agill@athomearkansas.com

A Little Rock home receives a full-scale culinary makeover resulting in more space and an updated aesthetic

“Gary renovated this kitchen 30 years ago,” says Cathy Pursell, wife and business partner of Gary Pursell, of Gary Pursell Construction. “So, basically he tore out his own work to remodel this kitchen for their family,” she laughs. After three decades and a change in ownership, everyone agreed it was time to reinvent the space and create a kitchen with multiple zones, an abundance of amenities, and an inviting, fresh feel that suited the owners’ style and would welcome their now-grown children home for family gatherings.

Space Goals

The homewoners had worked with the Pursells, who also operate Creative Heights Partners—the design arm of Gary Pursell Construction—on a large curb appeal makeover, so it felt natural to turn to them for the complete overhaul of the hub of their home: the kitchen. “After Gary did the front of the house, I felt like we had confidence in him to do the kitchen, and it was just the perfect time. He could picture it exactly as it looks now, even though I couldn’t,” says the homeowner, who has lived in the residence for 22 years.

One of the biggest goals was to open up the kitchen to the rest of the home. The area was both cramped and separated from other rooms—meaning the chef had limited space and often missed out on conversations. To remedy the situation, the Pursells took in the home’s dining room, giving them additional square footage, and knocked out a wall that separated the common areas. The dining room was relocated to a little-used formal living room. They also raised the roofline to give more space overhead. Now, separate zones—including the island and cooktop, the prep area, a coffee bar, a hospitality area, and a dining space—dot the room.

Design Decisions

While the homeowner knew she wanted the kitchen to be more spacious, she wasn’t set on any one aesthetic. “She came to my house and said ‘I love it,’ ” says Cathy, who developed a friendship with the homeowner during the renovation. Drawing on design details the client liked from the Pursells’ own home, Cathy created a kitchen rooted in traditional style but accented with modern flourishes—a true transitional-style space. “She wanted it to be contemporary but not cold—really kind of a mix. Originally, she was considering an all-white kitchen but I suggested the gray for a bit of balance,” Cathy says of the steely—yet warming—hue. The gray, which appears in the backsplash, walls, and countertops, marries with the stainless steel appliances and fixtures for a well-coordinated and relaxed feel.

Practical Provisions

The Pursells often work side by side: Gary from the contractor’s viewpoint and Cathy from a decorative perspective. To make the home truly function for the family, they worked together to assess the way the homeowners live and use their kitchen. “We worked with [the homeowner] on all of her space needs down to where she wanted to keep her baking pans and recycling bins—we got very detailed on this project. We mapped it all out and got it just where she wanted,” Cathy says.

Aside from high-functioning elements including the tall, restaurant-style faucet and large apron sink, the homeowners also gained storage in the island and the upper cabinetry. In addition, a second dishwasher—located in the hospitality area—makes for easy cleanup after family gatherings or parties. “We have so much fun coming over here to cook now; we even broke in the new kitchen by making a big pot of gumbo,” says Cathy of the end result.

Design Resources

Contractor Gary Pursell, Pursell Construction Inc., Little Rock, (501) 350-9807, creativeheightspartners.com

Interior and kitchen design Cathy and Gary Pursell, Creative Heights Partners, Little Rock, (501) 240-4854, (501) 350-9807, creativeheightspartners.com

Accessories Ellen Golden Antiques, Little Rock, (501) 664-7746

Appliances Metro Appliances & More, Jonesboro, (870) 933-7800, North Little Rock, (501) 758-1988, Springdale, (479) 750-2200, metroappliancesandmore.com

Cabinetry Renaissance Cabinets, North Little Rock, (501) 803-3868

Countertops The Countertop Store, North Little Rock, (501) 771-9200, thecountertopstore.biz

Florals Tipton & Hurst, locations throughout Central Arkansas, (501) 666-3333, tiptonhurst.com

Furniture—barstools Ken Rash’s of Arkansas, Little Rock, (501) 663-1818, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com

Lighting TEC Electric, Jonesboro, (870) 932-7252, North Little Rock, (501) 758-5483, lighting.tecelectric.com

Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide, sherwin-williams.com

Painting Daniel Canseco Painting, Little Rock, (501) 247-0372

Tile—backsplash Acme Brick, Tile & Stone, locations statewide, acmebricktileandstone.com

At Home Arkansas

Inspiring your Home and Lifestyle

Getting Back to Nature

Rustic Revival

Old Meets New

Simple Sophistication

Tuscan Flavor

Flawless Finishes

Serene Escape

The Sweet Life

Modern Sensibility

Kitchen Redux

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