Kitchens and Baths Archives | Page 3 of 4

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….

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

Finishing School

August 25, 2015 by agill@athomearkansas.com

Custom artisanal finishes imbue a handsome Little Rock kitchen with a subtle glow

In their new home, Sheila and Bob Casali wanted a kitchen that was both distinguished and delicate. To achieve exactly the look they were after, they called on their longtime friend and Texas-based interior designer Laura Towery. “They are really more like my extended family,” Towery says of her relationship with the Casalis, “so when they called and asked me to get involved in the project—of course I did. I knew they wanted something pretty and formal but also very livable, and we got right to work.”

First, Towery and the Casalis selected Top Star granite for the countertops; this choice guided them to the color palette for the room. The stone surface is rich and dynamic, with mottling in a palette of contrasting neutrals shot through with an array of warm metallic tones. “When we got the granite in and set out to choose the accent color for the island and vent hood, we must have bought twenty samples to test to find the perfect color,” Towery recalls. She finally chose a muted, pale celadon that pairs gracefully with the white seen on the rest of the custom cabinetry in the space.

To take the kitchen’s air of elegance to the next level, Towery brought Tracy Rivers of Angelfish Studios on board to soften the finish of the cabinetry with a metallic sheen. “I don’t usually choose to do faux finishes in my projects;” Towery notes, “I like my finishes very quiet. But I wanted to dress up the cabinetry in a subtle way.” Rivers applied a pearlescent wash to the white cabinetry and a bronze wash to the island base and the vent hood. “It’s very unusual to have a metallic wash in a kitchen,” Rivers says, “and that’s what makes this very special. The result is just so soft—the luminescence makes it very delicate looking.” Rivers also painted accent striping on the hood and island cabinetry to simulate brass embellishment, complete with faux solder lines for authenticity.

For the range backsplash, Towery chose diamond-shaped limestone tiles set inside a frame of wide strips of bronze. “I did want something that popped in the room. I wanted to highlight the material of the stone itself, more than the color, and I wanted it smooth, with no rough edges,” Towery says. Part of an antique, Italian gate purchased at the Roundtop Antiques Fair and retrofitted as a chandelier now hangs above the island. “After we hung it,” Towery explains, “I saw that it needed something more, so I added gold accents to coordinate with the backsplash and the cabinet details.” The hickory flooring received a custom stain to add warmth and depth. With such careful attention to detail and subtlety of customization, the total impact of the kitchen is, as Rivers describes, “very unique, but not so different you’re shocked by it.” Towery is also pleased with the result, as well as the design process itself: “It was such a fun project, and it worked out just like we wanted.”

Design Resources

Contractor and kitchen design Kevin Hughes, Kevin Hughes Construction, Little Rock, (501) 821-5364

Interior design Laura Towery, DéLa Designs, McKinney, Texas, (214) 763-5842, deladesignsinc.com

Cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and hardware Kevin Hughes Construction, Little Rock, (501) 821-5364

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

Lighting Laura Towery, DéLa Designs, McKinney, Texas, (214) 763-5842, deladesignsinc.com

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

Painting—decorative Angelfish Studios, Little Rock, (501) 960-4826, angelfishstudios.net

Second Time’s the Charm

August 25, 2015 by agill@athomearkansas.com

A Sherwood couple enlists the help of Kitchen Tune-Up not once but twice for practical and functional kitchen renovations

In just three years, Cricket and Bob Butler undertook two kitchen renovations. “We were in another home—where we thought we would be forever—and decided to remodel that kitchen,” Cricket explains. Little more than a year later, the couple found themselves in a new neighborhood with another kitchen in need of an update. “I called Susan [Johnson of Kitchen Tune-Up] again, because I loved the finished product from our old home and working with them.” Together they took the kitchen down to its studs to create a space the couple will love for years to come.

Warm, Natural Aesthetics

Dark, cherrywood cabinetry pairs with granite countertops and a natural travertine backsplash—which is bordered with the same granite found on the countertops—for a traditional appeal. Details, including dentil molding and weathered nickel cabinetry hardware add character. “One of the things I love about this kitchen is that it’s not so big or outlandish—its design is fully attainable in any space. It really lacks for nothing; it has all of the elements and beauty of any larger space,” Johnson says.

Practical Elements

Baking and decorating cakes is one of Cricket’s favorite pastimes, so a central island was a must-have to provide her with ample workspace. Additionally, she requested a double oven—a feature she did not have in her previous kitchen—to accommodate multiple dishes. The cabinetry extends to the ceiling and provides plenty of storage for all of her baking supplies and cookware.

Eat-In Amenities

While the kitchen remains cozy when it comes to square footage, the layout allows for a dining space at the far end. Here, Johnson also designed a cabinetry piece with glass-front doors to give the couple a place to display crystal. The Butlers love coffee and wanted a nook for their Andreja Premium espresso machine. The counter space on this built-in unit is a perfect spot for it—allowing them to easily refill their cups while they eat breakfast or read the morning paper at the dining table.

Design Resources

Contractor Kitchen Tune-Up, North Little Rock, (501) 223-8888, kitchentuneup.com/little-rock-ar-johnson

Kitchen design Susan Johnson, Kitchen Tune-Up, North Little Rock, (501) 223-8888, kitchentuneup.com/little-rock-ar-johnson

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

Cabinets Kitchen Tune-Up, North Little Rock, (501) 223-8888, kitchentuneup.com/little-rock-ar-johnson

Countertops and tile All Natural Stone, Little Rock, (501) 280-9777

Flooring Henry Enterprises, North Little Rock, (501) 374-2904

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

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

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

Classic Twist

August 26, 2014 by ark_admin

A homeowner’s worst nightmare turned into a chic new bath for this Fayetteville shop owner

Old Man Winter brought more than snow and ice to one Fayetteville home: he brought an unplanned renovation. “A pipe behind a wall in the bathroom burst, and flooded the living room and kitchen below,” explains homeowner Erin Bridges. “I immediately called on Chris Goddard—who was doing some work in my boutique at the time—because I knew he could put it all back together.” Bridges, who owns Fayetteville’s Tesori, a bridal and formalwear boutique, as well as a Lilly Pulitzer shop known as The Pink Pig, packed up her family and moved out for four months while work on the house was completed. “I trusted Chris completely,” she says. “He did me the courtesy of showing me his plans in advance, but I knew I would love whatever he came up with.”

Taking Shape

Familiar with Bridges’ “classic, but with a twist” personal style, Goddard was inspired by interpretations of classic motifs to create a chic, sleek space that is a study in transitional style. “I repeated several variations of three shapes—a circle, a twist, and a graphic line—to give the space layers and keep the eye moving,” Goddard explains. His interpretation of the Greek Key motif combined with Asian fretwork appears on the custom cabinetry and vanity mirrors, while the room’s Schumacher wallpaper features overlapping circles in soft shades of gray, white, and beige; the sconce and chandelier incorporate the twist shape.

Color Story

The heavily grained Brazilian Carrara marble on the vanity sets the space’s palette of soft gray and white, which is punched up by the charcoal gray cabinetry. Bridges made only one request for color throughout the house: yellow, her favorite hue. Goddard used a sunny shade of the color in small but high-impact doses throughout the room.

Lovely Layers

“You can dress a room the same way you might dress yourself: in layers of colors, patterns, and finishes,” says Goddard, who used eighteen different patterns in this bath, by his count. “Tonal variations and appropriate scale and proportion keep it from looking too busy.”

Functionally, not much about the bath has changed. The orientation of the shower was swapped and a freestanding soaking tub replaced a seldom-used garden tub. However, the room’s style factor increased exponentially. “Before, everything was awful turquoise and lime green and I couldn’t turn on the shower without getting soaked,” Bridges recalls. “Now, it looks on par with the rest of the house: clean, colorful, and classic, but with a modern twist.”

Design Resources

Contractor Michael King, King Kustoms, Cave Springs, (479) 225-2082

Interior and bath design Chris Goddard, Goddard Design Group, Fayetteville, (479) 521-2592, goddarddesigngroup.com

Accessories, fabrics, hardware, lighting, mirrors, and wallpaper Goddard Design Group, Fayetteville, (479) 521-2592, goddarddesigngroup.com

Cabinets MH Woodworks Inc., Seligman, Missouri, (417) 662-3329, mh-customwoodworks.com

Electrical Jeremy Word, Word’s Electric Inc., Springdale, (479) 530-1269

Fixtures Ferguson Enterprise, Springdale, (479) 927-2793, ferguson.com

Tile Encore Flooring and Building Products, Springdale, (479) 361-8900, encoregroupusa.com

Window coverings Goddard Design Group, Fayetteville, (479) 521-2592, goddarddesigngroup.com; Stitches of Joy, Fayetteville, (479) 595-4581

A Smooth Transition

August 26, 2014 by ark_admin

Unique finishes, sleek features, and abundant storage define a small kitchen that is big on style

When it comes to keeping a home, more is not always more. Such was the case for Diann Hurley, who recently downsized to a new home on a golf course in Northwest Arkansas. “I have about half of the square footage that I did in my last home, but am finding that I could actually live with even less,” she says.

Clear Vision

Hurley worked with builder Clint Williams of CW Homes, Inc. of Fayetteville. “Clint is very meticulous and hands-on, so I knew the house was in good hands,” she says. “My previous home was more traditional, and this time I wanted a very clean, crisp look without a lot of fuss,” says Hurley of the predominantly black-and-white space. Dark hardwood floors with a distressed finish offer a touch of patina and, in contrast with the light walls and white cabinets, give the space the crisp feeling Hurley desired.

A Place For Everything

Having built her previous house, Hurley had experienced the design process before and had ideas about what she wanted for the home—especially the kitchen. “I knew that I wanted floor-to-ceiling cabinets, smart storage, and easy-to-keep finishes,” she says. Custom cabinets from TL Wood Products stretch to the crown molding to make good use of every inch of space and eliminate the need to clean cabinetry tops. A large walk-in pantry more than suits her storage needs, while a small appliance garage keeps the counters free of clutter.

Open Air

On the large island, the stainless steel under-mounted, double-basin sink allows for easy maintenance and a smooth, clean look, while an articulating Kohler faucet feels both modern and industrial. The island faces the den, where Hurley frequently entertains friends. “I love the open concept. It’s nice to not be isolated while in the kitchen,” she says. Barstools at the island and a nearby dining room negated the need for a breakfast table, so instead Hurley furnished the area with a pair of comfortable slipper chairs that invite conversation as well as reflection. “The window looks out onto the golf course, but it feels very pastoral and relaxing,” Hurley says.

Surface Area

When it came to the room’s expanse of countertops, durability was an important factor. “Diann knew that she wanted quartz because it is heat-, scratch-, and stain-resistant,” says Holly Chesnut of Springdale’s New Century Counter Tops and Tile. “We introduced her to a Caesarstone product that is embossed with a crocodile print.” Hurley’s previous kitchen had polished granite counters, and while she appreciated the ease of use, she found keeping them fingerprint-free to be a chore. “With the textured quartz, I got the dark look that I wanted without the upkeep,” she explains.

For Hurley, the time spent poring over every detail of the kitchen was worth it. “With the help of the wonderful team, the kitchen came out just as I’d hoped—sleek and open, with a relaxed transitional style,” she says.

Design Resources

Contractor Clint Williams, CW Homes Inc., Fayetteville, (479) 521-2275, clintwilliamsconstruction.com

Kitchen design Holly Chesnut, New Century Counter Tops & Tile, Springdale, (479) 756-0093, newcenturycountertops.com

Accessories and lighting Lighting Emporium, Springdale, (479) 751-8184, lightingemporium.com

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

Art Art Emporium, Bentonville, (479) 273-5990, Fayetteville, (479) 521-4141, Springdale, (479) 419-5110, aenwa.com

Cabinets TL Wood Products, Springdale, (479) 927-0472, tlwoodproductsinc.com

Countertops New Century Counter Tops & Tile, Springdale, (479) 756-0093, newcenturycountertops.com

Fixtures Anderson Electric and Plumbing Supply, Harrison, (870) 741-1044, Rogers, (479) 631-9733, Springdale, (479) 756-8055, andersonep.com

Flooring Ridout Lumber Co., locations statewide, ridoutlumber.com

Furniture Abide Furniture, Springdale, (479) 750-5225, abidefurniture.net; Lighting Emporium, Springdale, (479) 751-8184, lightingemporium.com

Hardware Hearth & Home, Lowell, (479) 770-5408

Millwork Quality Millwork, Bethel Heights, (479) 872-0222, North Little Rock, (501) 945-6545, qualitymillwork.net

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

Painting Pacheco’s Cleaning & Painting, Springdale, (479) 790-0497

Tile Whiteline Designs, Fayetteville, (479) 287-4222, whitelinedesigns.net

Windows Peck Windows and Doors, Bentonville, (479) 254-9226, peckwindow.com

Window coverings Encore Flooring and Building Products, Springdale, (479) 361-8900, encoregroupusa.com

Emerald Jewel

August 26, 2014 by ark_admin

A homebuilder and his family draw inspiration from their own experiences as well as a famous Manhattan apartment to bring charm and functionality to their kitchen

For Randy and Lydia James building houses is a way of life. For more than 26 years, the couple has been working together to craft homes for Arkansans, so when it came to creating their own dream residence they had a few ideas in mind.

Approach with Passion

“Because we’ve built so many homes we knew what we didn’t want—and we didn’t want it to be too formal,” says Lydia of her Little Rock home’s overarching design. From the start, the Jameses decided to consult with Miguel Newberg of M. N’Teriors, with whom they had worked on several other projects. Not only were they fond of working with Newberg, they knew she could help them with the design process. “Everything was a challenge for me,” Lydia says. “I do it for others all the time [in spec homes], but I struggled with my own home,” she admits.

Right on Hue

One major choice that seemed to stand out from the start was the color for the kitchen cabinetry. “Green has always been a favorite of mine, and the cabinet color was actually the first thing I picked out,” Lydia says. The alluring emerald has a modern feel that is still very much grounded in traditional design. The color was inspired by the cabinetry in Cameron Diaz’s Manhattan apartment, which was designed by Kelly Wearstler. After seeing Diaz’s kitchen in Elle Décor, Lydia fell hard for the bold, statement-making color and knew she wanted to use it in her own home. “Through the process, I actually started waffling on the color, and I may have changed my mind if Miguel hadn’t convinced me it was perfect,” Lydia says. Luckily, she stayed the course, and it is now one of the room’s most-loved features.

Fully Accommodating

Eye-catching wasn’t the only requirement on the James’ wish list. The newly built kitchen also had to be functional for their family, which includes a son who is now away at college and two teen daughters. “Lydia and Randy are both great cooks, so it was important the space had easy-to-use elements,” Newberg says. Features such as a touch-release faucet, dish-washing and refrigeration drawers—rather than traditional models—and a drink refrigerator designated for kids are all smart features for a family on the go. In addition, a walk-in pantry, built-in recycle bins, and an open-faced wine rack help to keep everything close at hand for the chefs. “The entire space is super functional,” Lydia says.

The couple opted for a large, smooth-surfaced island with retro-inspired barstools and a separate breakfast table. The bar is big enough to accommodate the entire family and also works well for serving appetizers and beverages when the couple entertains. These two areas offer the Jameses what Newberg refers to as a “casual, welcoming, and family-oriented” space.

Design Resources

Interior design Miguel Newberg, M. N’Teriors, Little Rock, (501) 993-2766, mnteriors.com

Contractor Randy James, Randy James Construction, Little Rock, (501) 771-2566, randyjamesconstruction.com

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

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

Cabinets and hardware Duke Custom Cabinets, Roland, (501) 868-8111, dukecustomcabinets.com

Countertops Casa Blanca Granite Fabricators, Little Rock, (501) 455-2520, casablancagranite.com; Pacific Shore Stones, Mabelvale, (501) 455-3600, pacificshorestones.com

Fixtures The Bath Shoppe, Maumelle, (501) 753-0788

Floors Ozark Hardwood Flooring, Marshall, (870) 448-5775, ozarkhardwoodfloors.com

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

Painting—decorative Angelfish Studios, (501) 960-4826, angelfishstudios.net

Tile—backsplash Elder Tile, North Little Rock, (501) 758-4170, elderdistributing.com

Window coverings Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, (501) 663-0460, cynthiaeastfabrics.com

All Together Now

August 26, 2014 by ark_admin

Designer Courtney Smart Stone updates her parents’ kitchen to accommodate their evolving needs

Growing up in a home, you gain a certain level of comfort—and often a sense of nostalgia—when it comes to the space’s design and character. However, over the course of time many of the traits that endear the space to you become features that must change to continue to serve the owners’ needs. Such is the case with the El Dorado childhood home of designer Courtney Smart Stone.

Family Style

Michelle and Steve Smart purchased their colonial-style home 24 years ago. However, as their daughter (Stone) and her two brothers grew, moved out of the home, and began to start families of their own, the Smarts’ needs changed. “Living on the golf course, they have friends come up on the back deck to chat all the time, and they love being close to the pool to take their three grandchildren swimming,” says Stone of the couple’s casual lifestyle and fondness for their home’s location. “They knew they needed to make the home more functional, but just hadn’t found the right time to do it,” she adds. When Courtney graduated from the University of Arkansas’ interior design program and moved back to El Dorado to begin her career, it was clear the time had arrived.

Expanded Horizons

Stone and her parents both liked the idea of opening up the kitchen to create an open-concept floor plan where living, dining, and cooking areas merged. However, as the plans progressed they realized this meant guests in the living room would not only be able to see their hosts in the kitchen, but also the pots and pans where they had prepared dinner. As a remedy Stone proposed keeping the formal living room’s wall intact and opening up the kitchen in a different direction by moving an outside wall and taking in a patio space. “We knew that if we didn’t enlarge the space, we weren’t going to be any better off,” says Michelle of the decision. The extra space now houses the breakfast table as well as a comfortable seating area or keeping room where family members can gather and watch television. “It’s a shame this wasn’t done when I was growing up so the whole family could’ve been together in one place,” says Stone of the newly created casual sitting area.

Mixing Past and Present

The Smarts have antiques throughout their home and wanted to keep a beloved French breakfast table in the room to create a sense of continuity throughout the house. To encourage this marriage of old and new, Stone incorporated rich woods into the modern white palette. For example, the flooring consists of a latticework pattern of wood-grain porcelain tiles and white marble. The same porcelain tiles were used to create the media wall in the keeping room, giving modern conveniences such as a wall-mounted television a heritage-rich feel. Stone also used ornately carved crown molding to soften the room’s modern lines and give the space “an evolved look with authenticity.”

Close Comfort

As both Michelle and Courtney reflect on the project, it appears that not only has it brought the family together in one area of the home when they gather, but also drawn mother and daughter even closer. “It was so important to us to keep the integrity of the home while we updated it, and we trusted Courtney completely to make those decisions,” Michelle says. “God really gave her a talent, and it was a joy and privilege to work with our daughter to make this dream a reality.”

Island Living

Functionality was equivalent with space when it came to the kitchen’s must-haves. Michelle had visited a friend in Colorado whose kitchen had two islands—one for working and a separate for dining or gathering. She loved the concept and decided to incorporate the idea into this renovation. The two islands run parallel to one another allowing Michelle to begin working on dinner at one while her grandchildren enjoy an afternoon snack at the other.

Design Resources

Interior design Courtney Smart Stone, Sydney Murphy Design, El Dorado, (870) 863-6625, sydneymurphydesign.com

Intern architect Michael Rogers, CADM Architecture, Inc., El Dorado, (870) 863-7367, Magnolia, (870) 234-7008, cadmarchitects.com

Contractor Del Mack Construction, El Dorado, (870) 310-9705

Accessories, fabrics, furniture, and lighting Sydney Murphy Design, El Dorado, (870) 863-6625, sydneymurphydesign.com

Art Backwoods Art & Frame, El Dorado, (870) 863-5254

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

Cabinets and millwork El Dorado Cabinets & Millwork, El Dorado, (870) 862-8644

Countertops and flooring Classic Marble & Granite, El Dorado, (870) 863-5033, marbleexperts.com

Fixtures Sanders Plumbing & Lighting, Hot Springs, (501) 525-2420, sanderssupply.net

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

Serene Escape

The Sweet Life

Modern Sensibility

Kitchen Redux

Finishing School

Second Time’s the Charm

Classic Twist

A Smooth Transition

Emerald Jewel

All Together Now

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