At Home in Arkansas

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Hollywood Glam ‘Southern Glam’ Style!

Tiffany Adams — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 20:20:00 +0000

Glitz and glam are definitely my signature traits as a designer, so it’s no surprise to my clients that my design aesthetic is often referred to as “Southern Glam,” which I like to describe as a Southern spin on Hollywood Glam. Follow along as I show you a few of my favorite Southern Glam finds at Las Vegas Market!

I can’t even begin to describe how gorgeous Xela Aroma’s Ombre collection is! So many colors and so GLAM! They have a ton of amazing scents but my favorite was Grapefruit.

Another fab find on our treasure hunt was Modshop! We were enamored by their cabinet hardware and the look of their overall line. I’m impressed that they designed the collection in both brass and silver, making them quite versatile. Their upholstery comes in a ton of velvets and the legs on their pieces are interchangeable. Oh, and get this…you can also spec your own custom finish! Modshop thought of everything when accommodating residential designers and their clients.

We are currently writing a book on seasonal entertainment design and Sparkle Home’s napkins were over the top! They come in several colors and even have napkin rings to coordinate. I am definitely going to put them on my list for tabletop vendors.

Yasss! Can you believe how amazing this black-and-white chair is? The Currey & Company showroom always feeds our need for Southern Glam, and during Las Vegas market they did not disappoint! Our favorite find was definitely their Garson Chair. We loved its shape, finish and the fabric they selected for the showroom sample. SO FABULOUS!

Leftbank’s Dutch Blooms Gold by Jackie Von Tobel is a floral masterpiece. I love the gold metallic paired with the bright floral overlay … it seriously has me dreaming of warmer temps. Floral is going to continue to trend for quite some time so get ready for an explosion of Floral products.

It was fun to take you through some of my favorite Southern Glam finds! Happy spring to all.

XOXO
Shayla

Photo courtesy of Janet Warlick

Shayla Copas, owner and principal designer of Shayla Copas Interiors is an award-winning Arkansas designer who has been voted by numerous publications as a favorite designer in the state. Her work has graced the pages of At Home in Arkansas and other statewide and national publications throughout her 20-year career. Most recently, her work was featured on the cover of a Christmas interior design book, featuring several top designers across the nation including, Christopher Radko and HGTV personality Joe Ruggiero. Shayla is a member of the Interior Design Society and National Kitchen and Bath Association. Her new blog EN VOGUE with SHAYLA COPAS focuses on trends in home design and entertaining.

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Behind the Design: Belle & Blush

Stephanie Maxwell Newton — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 19:42:16 +0000

When owner Merry Kline decided to open an updated location of her beauty and cosmetics boutique, Belle & Blush, she approached one of her customers known for her design savvy to help with the project. “Tobi and her daughter actually shopped in our store before this project,” Merry says. “Because we cater to women and so many mother-daughter duos love our store, I felt like Tobi would really understand Belle & Blush and the experience we want to provide.”

“We really wanted to create an inspiring and comfortable shopping experience rather than just another store,” Merry adds. “We also focused on making sure that it felt fun and interactive but, at the same time, upscale.”

“Our goal was to create a space with this aesthetic while maximizing the function and flow of the store to best serve their customers,” Tobi says of the project. “While these product areas are defined, the overall color palette and the streamlined design of the custom display fixtures gives unity and cohesiveness to the space.”

Here’s a little more about each of those areas, with commentary by Tobi:

“Adding a bit of sass into the seating area where brass meets blush and a bit of leopard was not only fun, but functional, too, because this is the perfect place for moms, dads, and kids to relax while their makeup-loving family members shop away.”

“I love how we used architectural details, accent lighting, and flooring changes to help define different areas for each product type. The bath and body area even has a sink to make sampling products easier and less messy.”

“I also love the chandelier that hangs in the center of the store over the checkout counter, because it’s glamorous and fun and a great focal point when stepping through those fabulous pink double doors!”

“We covered a lot of ground but each area maintains the clean but gorgeous signature style Belle and Blush is now known for.”

Thanks to Merry and Tobi for sharing this experience with the At Home team!

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Cobblestone & Vine Introduces Visual Comfort & Co. Gallery Wall

Stephanie Maxwell Newton — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 16:05:03 +0000

LET THERE BE LIGHTS: The west Little Rock location of Cobblestone & Vine is the first store in Little Rock to offer clients a Visual Comfort & Co. lighting gallery wall, allowing them to see the styles in person before making an order and stocking more fixtures available to buy off the floor. Stuart Thalheimer Davis, a designer with Cobblestone & Vine, says the store has stocked all their favorite styles from Visual Comfort’s best-selling collaboration collection, including fixtures by Kelly Wearstler, Aerin Lauder, Suzanne Kasler, Thomas O’Brien, and E.F. Chapman. Cobblestone & Vine, 11525 Cantrell Road, (501) 219-3676, cobblestoneandvine.com

This post originally appeared in the March 2018 issue of At Home in Arkansas. Image courtesy of visualcomfort.com.

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Art of Design’s New Showroom

Stephanie Maxwell Newton — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 15:47:13 +0000

BIGGER IS BETTER: Little Rock designer Sha Davari recently moved her store, Art of Design, in Capital Park’s Design District (in front of Cajun’s Wharf) into a larger, air-conditioned showroom within the same complex. “I wanted more space, and now I can carry a lot more of everything,” Davari says of the update. “I’m so excited that I can display my things in vignettes. I finally have room to display merchandise in a way that helps people say, ‘Oh, this and this could all go together.” Davari’s store showcases a range of styles, from traditional to contemporary with transitional pieces that fall in between the two. “We can work with a lot of different styles, needs, and price points,” she adds. Art of Design, 2200 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 425-3776

This post originally appeared in the March 2018 issue of At Home in Arkansas.

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Find Your Path

Tiffany Adams — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 19:02:24 +0000

Part of a series: Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen

Suburban houses usually come with a pre-poured concrete sidewalk. That idea is so pervasive we don’t even think about it. You arrive at your friend’s house, get out of the car, and stroll up the walk. A walk invariably flanked by green grass, carefully manicured and fed. What if you want to be just a little different? You can tear up the sod and replace with hardy perennials that will provide interest, no matter the season. And you can bisect your new planting area with a clearly defined pathway, which is both decorative and functional. People are beginning to discover the pleasures of plants, as opposed to sod, and adding rock strewn paths to provide for a pleasing note of individuality.

Once the sod was removed and the plants installed we provided the path. The idea came out of the need to access the backyard by maintenance crews. You can’t drive a mower through the plants, so what do you do? We levelled the designated—curved–area and created a bed for both large flat pavers, and plenty of rock. The pavers are for stepping, the surrounding rock for interest and drainage. And take a look at the perennials we chose; all are rugged, dependable and fit the proportions of the space. Nothing could be worse than having to dig and remove specimens on a regular basis that have outgrown their allotted segment. We chose a complementary mix of rudbeckia, verbena, salvia, rosemary, and other specimens chosen for their growth habits (more rounded than tall, more cascading than upright).

Part of the fun of such an installation is selecting the rock and pavers. You’ll find many options in color, size, and finish. If you haven’t stopped to consider something as basic as landscaping rock, you’re in for a treat, and will love its variety. And then think before you place your stepping stones. Keep turning them until you find the best angle. Use those angles in your precut stones to their advantage. And another thing: you’ll want to mount your pavers just a little bit higher than the surrounding river rock for better drainage. Once your path is in, select plants for the borders that will flow and drift onto it in a controlled way, such as this ‘Homestead’ verbena. It has a vibrant little flower most of the year, and loves the heat, which you’ll need to consider.

We used the same plants for both sides of the yard. Why? Uniformity of plant material means uniformity of design, which means your space looks larger. Period. Also, take a look at the foliage. Nothing is outsized, all fits. You’ll want to group your plants before you install to make sure they look happy together. And hardiness matters. You want plants that can take a bit of heat reflected from the rock, and can also get a bit dry without flagging. The spirea down front is a great little workhorse, and seems to thrive with a certain amount of abuse.

The rock path takes off from the sidewalk with no fuss. And the plants all seem to follow.

Remember I used the word’ functional’ to describe this path? It’s just wide enough for a lawn crew to use for the mower to get to the backyard. Form once again follows function.

And don’t forget ‘flow.’ You want the same sort of plants on both sides, and you want a selection that will give you color for most of the year. Ask questions about growth habits and bloom times. Translation: Read those plant tags, but also ask.

One more idea to support a path to augment a concrete walk: Use pavers to create an areas for seating. You don’t want all walks, all paths, to be strictly used for speed of getting from one point to another. You want to be able to linger, to even sit and admire your garden. Take a corner of the pre-poured walk and add to it with pavers. Find the kind of seating you want for your new space. Take advantage of it.

You might find the idea of ripping out sod and replacing with hardy perennials defined by a rock-strewn path revolutionary, but it really isn’t. This concept is actually part of the evolving look of contemporary landscape. Sod is high maintenance, expensive, and needs a lot of consistent water. Simply put, hardy perennials and rock do not. Lots of homeowners will be removing grass and replacing in the years to come for one reason: sustainability. But I have another take on it. It has a great individual look, and is easy to install and maintain. And you just can’t beat that combination.

Live Life to the Fullest,
Chris H. Olsen

chrisholsen.com // botanicagardens.com

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Get Your Garden On

Stephanie Maxwell Newton — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 22:36:26 +0000

Make plans to attend a gardening workshop with Mark Cain of Dripping Springs Garden at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art on March 3. Cain will discuss organic gardening, landscaping, and cut-flower gardening in the Bellows and Cassatt rooms in the lower level of the museum from 10-11:30 a.m. The program is part of the museum’s ongoing Discover the Grounds series, which is free—just be sure to register online. 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, (479) 657-2335, crystalbridges.org

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Spanish Colonial renovation in North Little Rock

Stephanie Maxwell Newton — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 17:15:12 +0000

Before-and-after photos from a project featured in our March 2018 issue

When Arkansas landscape designer Chris H. Olsen stumbled upon this house in historic North Little Rock, he instantly fell in love. He also recognized the amount of work that would go into such an undertaking: “I love a challenge!” he joked. You can read the full story about how he transformed the exterior and grounds of his dream home, featured in our March 2018 issue, here. Scroll below to see more dramatic before-and-after photos.

Click here for more photos of the landscaping surrounding The Edgemont House and its updated facade.

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Lean Green

Tiffany Adams — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 15:00:56 +0000

Part of a series: Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen

If you walk outside and stand still, your face into the wind, you’ll know it’s coming; spring, I mean. We’ve had a New England-worthy winter, but better days are on the horizon. Avid gardeners are already curling up with a good seed catalog, discovering new plants and reveling in the color-drenched photos. What better time to think about, well, better times? Let’s go to last year’s garden and poke around.

The Greeks and Romans were right; a pergola always makes pathways more inviting. If you have a somewhat rectangular space and need a path, don’t just stop at flagstones or brick. Look up. Pergolas over walkways mean you can use vines and trailing specimens, and that you don’t block out the sun with anything heavy. Pergolas celebrate the seasons and provide vertical interest. Think about the pavers you use and remember to plant something between them for a cooling effect. Mondo grass is used here between the pavers, but that scrumptious green in the foreground? Moss, which is a great idea for shady areas that have just a bit of foot traffic. Zero maintenance, and almost neon in color after a rain.

You can’t beat aspidistra for shade. There’s a reason it’s also known as ‘cast iron plant.’ It’s resilient, drought tolerant, spreads in a controllable way, adding depth and green glimmer to areas that couldn’t sustain plant material that needs sun. Most of us have spaces under trees or fences that don’t get light, what plantsmen term ‘deep shade.’ Aspidistra is the answer. In fact, aspidistra does best when it gets only a tiny bit of dappled sun, nothing more. It tends to be expensive because it’s slow getting started. But once it takes hold, you’ll have constant green because it doesn’t die back in winter.

How inviting is moss? So inviting you’ll be tempted to lounge on it. Moss grows where grass won’t. Period. I wouldn’t use it in an area of constant foot traffic, but it’s great in those marginal spaces that don’t see a lot of activity. It likes water—of course—but needs little maintenance. If you have twigs and plant detritus that fall during a storm, you can clean your moss with a broom. Rakes are too strong for it.

Hostas and water features are made for each other. Once you get started with hostas, you’ll find yourself attracted to even more; more varieties appear on the market every year. They spread with ease and can be dainty or enormous. These two are Sums and Substance and Big Blue Daddy. When they have filled their space, just take a shovel and separate clumps. You’ll have lots in just a few years.

You can’t beat flag grass for coverage and ability to adapt to most growing conditions. It likes sun, but will flourish in areas without a lot of light and even tolerates poor soil. The spiky uniform foliage always makes for good contrast with annual color and it’s perfect for edging around walks or borders. It doesn’t bully other plantings and you won’t find yourself clipping or separating clumps very often. This variety is called Lime, for obvious reasons.

Looks exotic, doesn’t it? This pair, leopard ligualaria and toad lily behind, are actually good workhorses in the shade garden. They know their place, but adapt well and set in nicely. And the toad lily even has a small flower. They aren’t especially picky about soil, but do like moisture. Morning sun only. Your guests will stop and ask about them every time you lead a tour of your garden. And you can’t beat that variegated foliage of the ligualaria.

That’s just a quick survey of what a shade garden can do. Yes, I know it can be hard thinking about green now when everywhere you look it’s gray and brown. But take heart; seasonal change is soon. And you’ll be thinking about shade and color and growth habits. Everything I have pictured here you can find at Botanica Gardens and Plantopia, and much more. Come see us so we can help you go green.

Live life to the fullest,
Chris H. Olsen

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Say “Hello” to Ultra Violet!

Tiffany Adams — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 15:30:54 +0000

En Vogue with Shayla Copas

Last year, I was raving over the Pantone Color of the Year Greenery, but 2018’s color of the year is special to me. My birthstone is an amethyst and purple has always been dear to my heart! So much, that I designed a custom chandelier in my dining room with amethyst rock crystal. So, when Ultra Violet was announced by the Pantone Institute as the color of the year, I was absolutely elated!

Purple is a color that evokes passion and royalty, it is a strong color and should be used sparingly and strategically. Many trends are best used in layering and accessorizing. Utilizing punches of color and pattern help to keep rooms from looking mundane and frankly, boring. Tonal and monochromatic is passé. The good news is that designers are adding in trending colors in areas of their designs that can evolve as home fashions change. Pillows, accents chairs, and accessories are a great way to incorporate trends without a huge investment and they can be changed out as the home industry progresses…and with little investment. So, with that said, may I introduce you to my new best friend … Miss Ultra Violet.

via Nordstrom

My next dinner party will definitely include these lovely Waterford Lead Crystal flutes. I’m crushing over their “Southern glam” vibe and of course the COLOR! I can’t wait to give a toast holding these lovelies.

via Nordstrom

Regina Andrew is “rocking” the accessory market with this amazing set of lavender geode bookends on acrylic. What a perfect way to incorporate this year’s color trend into your bookcase styling.

It’s so ironic, that I have been searching for the PERFECT purple scarf since the color of the year was announced and ALAS…I stumbled upon the Hermès Eperon D’or Purple Silk Scarf as I was researching new products in Ultra Violet. Its combination of gold, crème, lavender and deep purple/blue are perfection…Maybe this elegant fashion accessory will be wrapped in a pretty little box next month as we celebrate my birthday.

I am enchanted by this reproduction of a Gabby Malpas original painting. Framed and floated with deckled edges in a simple silver frame, it is such a soft and inspiring print.

JANUS et Cie ‘s Forest Armchair in lilac is organic and suitable for indoor or outdoor design as it is a powder coated die-cast aluminum manufactured to withstand the elements. I would personally specify this beauty in a teen glam suite paired with a white desk! PERFECTION!

What a fab way to incorporate Ultra Violet into a space…with the “Jay Rug” from One Kings Lane. Beautifully hand-tufted in plush wool, and it ranges in sizes 2 x 3 to 11 x 15.

via Bungalow 5

Check out Bungalow 5’s Thalia Lamp inspired from a traditional Zhuanxinping vase that originated in the Qianlong Dynasty. This glam lamp would also look amazing in that teen bedroom suite I mentioned earlier.

One Kings Lane does it again with their vintage Rose Victoria Alexandrite color changing hand-blown glasses from France. I love how they offer consumers one of a kind “finds” on their site, and I think this set is a fabulous find for tabletop design.

via Cyan Design

The Bella Vetro Chandelier from Cyan Design in a Murano style purple is a show stopper! I love the depth of the purple and the scale is spot on for many applications at 44 inches by 34 inches.

Well, it’s been fun to introduce you to Miss Ultra Violet and I can’t wait to show you my fun finds from Vegas Market next month! I hope all of you have a happy and prosperous New Year!

Xoxo

Shayla Copas, owner and principal designer of Shayla Copas Interiors, is an award-winning Arkansas designer who has been voted by numerous publications as a favorite designer in the state. Her work has graced the pages of At Home in Arkansas and other statewide and national publications throughout her 20-year career. Most recently, her work was featured on the cover of a Christmas interior design book, featuring several top designers across the nation, including Christopher Radko and HGTV personality Joe Ruggiero. She is currently writing her own entertainment design book which will be released in late 2018 or early 2019. Shayla is a member of the Interior Design Society and National Kitchen and Bath Association. Her blog EN VOGUE with SHAYLA COPAS focuses on trends in home design and entertaining.

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The Real Meaning of Christmas (Decorating)

Laura LaRue — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 14:15:34 +0000

Part of a series: Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen

‘Tis the season for seasonal decorating advice. You’ll find it online and in print, and also be able to cadge ideas from displays at the neighbors or in stores. The advice—and design—boils down to two simple principles: use something that represents Christmas, and create fun or a sense of wonder with your display. I’d like to add another idea along with those two. Make your Christmas display mean something to you. Almost every one of us will have a box, or numerous boxes, which contain Christmas elements that have history with us, that may have been handed down through the family, that hold a bit of sentiment. Who cares if they’re beginning to tarnish, or that they might be a bit timeworn, chipped or dented? It’s the fact that they hold real personal meaning to you that gives them strength. Use what you’ve been saving, and place it alongside your new additions for seasonal decorating, and make the display work for you.

Do you recall those single candles emblazoned with Noel from the 60s and 70s? Lots of families had them. Great for doorways or fireplaces. I saved ours, and here you see one outside the front door. While they were usually placed by themselves when they were originally used, my faithful readers will know that I couldn’t just leave them by themselves. I also have a potted tree with a handful of ornaments tossed in to keep them company.

I love vintage plastic Santas. They came in a range of sizes and poses, and here, you see a close-up of a pair on the sideboard in the entryway. My existing transparent lights complement them, I think.

How about a posse of Santas? Some of these originated with the Olsen family, and I’ve added to their number over the years. If you have anything like this that smacks of the season, bring it all out and use in force. ‘Multiples’ is always a good idea in holiday decorating, so why not multiple St. Nicks? And, since they’re all the same red and white, there’s even more punch to the show. I threaded some garland around them, dropped in a few ornaments, then plugged them all in. Easy effort, big show.

Here’s a bird’s-eye view from the stairs. You can see Santa and a fountain of red and green. Because the stairs are spiral, the view is telescoped naturally, and there’s no room for a wide display at the foot of the stairs. I used the tabletop-sized Santas for the entry, but saved the big man for here.

Ornaments are not just for use on trees. I keep a surfeit of ornaments and, once I have the main parts of a display assembled, toss handfuls of them around. The fountain was already here, and was a natural repository for this red and green mix. The colors needed to be kept simple, but the shapes are varied. You don’t see the fountain contains anything except water unless from above, or just as you walk up on it, so it’s a nice design surprise.

Santa is in all his glory. He’s life sized and greeting you with the Noel lantern, but I thought he might get lonely without other hallmarks of the season. He has not one, but two, color wheels to keep him robust, a bank of poinsettias, and finally a crush of ornaments strewn about. I kept this display full but tight, because the area is limited. Sometimes having a smaller space to work with is more fun. And makes for a better display.

You can see my matching pair of candles at the front door. They aren’t especially tall or formidable, but they represent a lot more to me than just the holiday. I’ve stored them for years and they speak volumes to me. Guests will smile as they walk up, because the pair is instantly recognizable as being from the not-so-distant past.

So, my advice to you about decorating for Christmas is quite simple: If you have it, use it. You can incorporate heirloom items, and they don’t have to be one-of-a-kind pieces. If you value it in your heart, it has great value, so don’t be afraid to put it up for show.

Live life to the fullest and happy holidays,
Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

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Mimi’s Molasses Sugar Cookies from Jill Lawrence

Laura LaRue — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 14:00:45 +0000

Designer Jill Lawrence, whose home is featured in our December issue, shares one of her family’s beloved holiday cookie recipes with us—along with a few fond memories of the treat’s namesake.

Like many Southern ladies, my grandmother was a HUGE influence on my life. I learned to read, bake, swim, over-dress for every occasion (she would often pick up my mother and, later on, me from school in her fur coat and heels), manners, the proper use of every kind of obscure silver flatware (grapefruit spoon, anyone?), and to live life to the absolute fullest. She was my everything, and catching the scent of these cookies around the holidays brings me right back to her. My entire family will tell you that there are two scents associated with our beloved Mimi: Chanel and Molasses Sugar Cookies. It describes her perfectly. Here’s the recipe for her famous sugar cookies.

Mimi’s Molasses Sugar Cookies
Makes about 30 cookies

3/4 cup shortening, melted (do not substitute butter; this has to be shortening)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup Grandma’s Molasses (Has to be Grandma’s brand molasses to be the most authentic)
1 egg

Dry Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
Additional sugar for rolling the cookies

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
Melt the shortening and let cool for about 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl stir together the dry ingredients. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl on a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat well until creamy the sugar, molasses, and egg.
Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
Form dough into approximately 1-inch balls and roll in sugar. Place on cookie sheet, about 9-12 cookie balls per sheet.
Press down slightly to flatten each ball.
Bake for 7-8 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE. This is the main secret to these cookies!
Remove from oven and cool for about 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool the rest of the way.

Happy Holidays,
Jill Lawrence and the At Home in Arkansas team

Click here to read more about designer Jill Lawrence and see her own home dressed for the holidays in our December issue.

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12 Days of Christmas with At Home in Arkansas

Stephanie Maxwell Newton — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 16:54:40 +0000

We’ve partnered with local businesses to bring you a chance to win an awesome gift every day for the first 12 days of December. The giveaways are happening on our Facebook page.

CONTEST DETAILS
1. To enter, like At Home in Arkansas‘s Facebook page, like the Facebook page of the featured business, and tag three friends in the comments below the image.
2. New giveaways will be posted at 8 a.m. every day.
3. There’s no limit to the number of time participants may enter over the 12 days.
4. Winners will be selected randomly. At Home staff will verify winners have followed all instructions for entry.
5. Winners are responsible for picking up prizes at the retailer.

What are you waiting for? Enter now on our Facebook page!

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Attainable Luxury by Debi Davis: Designing Beautiful bedrooms

Laura LaRue — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 14:15:49 +0000

In your bedrooms, our goal is always to create a comfortable relaxing space…this is where we spend a third of our life. Soft colors and beautiful bedding always come to mind.

MASTER BEDROOM:
To cozy up the master bedroom we painted the walls Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore. The rooms calming color scheme takes its cue from the vanilla color on the bedding and the two Hickory chairs in the room that are covered in a Kravet Couture fabric “Cushy Life” that feels fabulous.
In this bedroom we also mixed a traditional architectural backdrop, antiques and modern pieces that join formal and informal accents to showcase the art of mixing opposites. To add further interest to the room, old candlesticks were made into lamps and straight line chest from Hickory Chair blended the two styles together. Simple drapes on one inch rods provided a more transitional pace.

The master bedroom needs to be our escape from stress and our busy life.

GUEST BEDROOM:
A guest bedroom needs to welcome your guest, but remember they are only there for a short period of time. In this room “ Bashful” from Benjamin Moore was chosen as the paint color on walls to accent the embroidered linen floral fabric from Casamance that dresses the window drapes.
Many times storage area is not as important for bedside chests since it is a guest room. There are many options you can use beside the bed.
Some options are: Floating consoles, an end table with one drawer, a decorative iron table.

A built in window seat also added dimension to this guest bedroom.

SECOND GUEST BEDROOM:
This bedroom was painted a soft vanilla with the ceiling painted white to create a clean architectural space to enhance the bleached wood on the bed headboard. Antique lace was added to the end of the plain pillow cases to give texture and a touch of luxe to the bedding. The “Chantilly Lace” by Benjamin Moore used on the walls created a soft look. Soft colors do help us relax.

If a casual approach is your life style then there are fun fabrics and washable coverlets and pillows that can end our worries if pets or children decide to jump up on our beds and turn them into a gathering place for the family. Fabric shown above is from Trend and the coverlet is from Lili Alessandra.

Until next time…

Debi Davis with ATTAINABLE, LUXURY LIVING…

{photography by Rett Peek}

Debi Davis is the owner and principal designer at Little Rock-based Debi Davis Interior Design. While working with clients around the nation, she constantly seeks and implements ideas for attainable luxuries that can be incorporated into everyday life. Debi Davis Interior Design, 2222 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR, (501) 221-2032

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Take Advantage of Vintage by Chris H. Olsen

Laura LaRue — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 16:59:38 +0000

Part of a series: Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen

Christmas decorations for the home provide the lion’s share of all seasonal marketing year in and year out. The Victorians were the first to install—and instill—holiday scenes and festive touches in each room of their houses. Manufacturing and mass merchandising were coming into their own and the burgeoning middle class all of a sudden had income to spend on baubles that were only meant to be enjoyed a few weeks of the year. But it was always sensible to pack them away for the next year, so as not to be too frivolous. These little decorating novelties often became imbued with memories and sentiment, however, and extra care was taken so they could be brought out annually, along with the stories they told and the feelings they evoked about the family whose attic in which they resided 11 months of the year.

That’s the sociologist’s clinical observation of it. But I want to interject here that all those stacked boxes, all those reams of creased and worn tissue paper, hold items that you can not only use every year, but can use in unexpected ways, and add some real depth and flavor to your Christmas decorating.

Find a shelf or corner, preferably one you pass with frequency. Then plan out a Christmas vignette in proportion to your space. Here you see the usual suspects—Santa, two versions of a tree, poinsettia–but they’re arranged cheek by jowl along with other items already housed there. The blocks proclaiming JOY fit perfectly, and don’t overpower the small tree behind. All are vintage items from storage, all mean something to me. But they’re used sparingly, and along with other possessions, and along with the existing color scheme. Integrating your holiday mementoes among books, ceramics, and other treasures makes it all a little more special.

What about those Santa mugs? I bet most of you have one or more. Too small to be functional, too fun to leave in the attic. Find a surface and line them up. There’s power in numbers.

It doesn’t have to be an evergreen or conifer. Green is good—and needed—for any holiday display. I love birds nest ferns any time of the year, and this is my favorite cachepot. Why not just add Christmas to what’s already there?

And here it is: a drift of Christmas. My favorite objects on a table—plants, interesting pots, books—now become a backdrop for holiday decorating, with nothing more than a few vintage ornaments tossed about. You may have ones or twos of ornaments from years gone by. You don’t have to do anything more than place them among what’s already there. Perhaps these ornaments don’t really ‘go with’ your decorating scheme, or their sizes are all wrong. Use them anyway in this careless, yet cheerful manner. You can see the large tree and other elements in the background, but using small things in this way can have big impact.

Use interesting containers to hold heaps and scoops of vintage ornaments. What better way to display bounty of the season than by mounding up a collection of small ornaments. And the bowls they are collected in are the bowls I love, which I use throughout the year. Mix your collections for great appeal.

Or display heirloom ornaments in a case, such as this one. This grouping, part of typical Christmas ornament sold as sets, becomes that much more special when featured this way. They don’t have to be large or expensive to be precious. Every one of them holds a memory.

Incorporate everyday items into your holiday display. Photos, plants, a natural piece you love, are also part of this Christmas tabletop. Reindeer votives lead the way here, proportions all fit, the mix is unexpected, and the effect is cheery.

What does your attic hold? What’s in all those boxes? Unpack and find ways to weave little happy elements into your home for the best kind of holiday. Your holiday display doesn’t have to take up too much real estate to be something you and your guests can enjoy. And your personality can shine through every time.

Live Life to the Fullest,
Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

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The High Point Journey

Laura LaRue — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 14:28:05 +0000

As we get back from fall High Point Market, I am more anxious than usual to unveil the latest in home trends. It seems that 2018 has a lot in store for homeowners. I want to take you along on my “High Point” journey so that you can see “a day in my life” at market. Along on the trip, was what I consider my “design family” from Alaska. We met Jeremy Bauer and Jason Clifton of Bauer/Clifton Interiors at an Interior Design Society conference several years back and we have been tackling markets together ever since.

First up on our market trail was the opportunity of serving on a discussion panel in the ZUO showroom, speaking to our fellow designers about Design Marketing. I was blessed to serve on this discussion with Jason Clifton of Bauer Clifton Interiors, Jeffrey Johnson of Jeffrey Designs and with Nick May of The Chaise Lounge. We touched a great deal on social media marketing as it is a must for all designers to properly market their craft. Photo credit : Yian Quach

Pictured above, Jeremy notices our speaking engagement sign with his usual enthusiasm.

Next stop! Instagram Takeover for DesignOnHPMKT and for our very own, At Home in Arkansas! I had the opportunity to “spot” the latest fall trends for both our state publication and for market. WHAT FUN! Below are a few of our fab finds!

Ooh lala! For one of my At Home In Arkansas Instagram takeover items I stumbled upon the Eichholtz Showroom and fell in love with their Beekman benches in Panama polished natural steel paired with their Esquire stacking console tables. They were definitely swoon worthy!

For the DesignOnHPMKT Instagram take over we headed to Currey & Company and spotted their swanky Braillen demi-lune. It’s light grey finish paired with floral antique silver hardware was the highlight of my day!

Our next fun adventure, was with Author/Designer Libby Langdon and other design colleagues as we gave a panel discussion on “Seasonal Design.” We enjoyed informing market attendees of the latest in seasonal trends. All of us were in agreement that mesh is a thing of the past and that glass and tradition are back!

Above: a fun photo with our Seasonal Design Panel after our discussion. We enjoyed meeting all of them!

Next stop…Suites at Market Square, to scout for our favorite vendors for my Suite Spot Tour. Each market, four designers give tours of the Suites and our job is to find two trending vendors per floor. There are SOOOO many fabulous vendors in the Suites it is like trying to decide upon a favorite child! However, after an entire day of scouting we settled on our favs! Above, are hand beaded velvet pillows by Callisto. Velvet is hot this season and almost every manufacturer was in on the trend.

Hammerton Lighting was the last showroom on our scouting list for the day and they did not disappoint. Hammerton is based out of Utah and services both residential and commercial design. We loved how interchangeable the finishes were with their wide array of hand-blown glass options. The next day, we led a tour of approximately 20 or so through the suites and ended our tour at Hammerton. Guests were in awe of their products. Check them out at www.hammerton.com

No market is ever complete without attending a social soiree or two. Veranda’s 30th Anniversary Party at Oly Studio did not disappoint; guests were treated to live music, champagne and incredible nibbles this gluten free girl can’t even begin to touch! We ran into fellow Arkansan and top designer Kevin Walsh of Bear Hill Interiors at the soiree and introduced him to our design family from Alaska.

We then headed to the Caracole Showroom to swoon over their HOT Ice Breaker Chair adorned in brass detail. Although this piece has been in their collection for awhile, it is still trending because of the brass detail.

Next, we headed to the Abbyson showroom as we did not want to miss our fabulous friend Barrie Livingstone speak. Oh, and of COURSE Auntie Shayla wanted to see what his fashionable pup Rio was wearing. As usual, Barrie and Rio were a complete HIT! British born, Barrie Livingstone is now based in Malibu, California, and designs projects that span the globe from Los Angeles to Miami and from Dubai to Malaysia.

No trip to market is complete without a fun field trip to Furnitureland South! I call it Disney World for designers. Seriously, you can spend an entire weekend at Furnitureland and still not cover everything. FLORAL is HOT and we spotted the St. Helena Chair from Ambella Home. With its large scale floral pattern it is trending for fall.

Last, but certainly not least, was a fun designer photo shoot in the Worlds Away Showroom with our good friend Yian. The Alaska and Arkansas Design Fam had a blast!

I hope that you enjoyed my High Point Journey and I look forward to showing you more after the next market.

Happy Fall everyone!

Shayla Copas

Photo courtesy of Janet Warlick

Shayla Copas, owner and principal designer of Shayla Copas Interiors is an award winning Arkansas designer who has been voted by numerous publications as a favorite designer in the state. Her work has graced the pages of At Home in Arkansas and other statewide and national publications throughout her 20 year career. Most recently, her work was featured on the cover of a Christmas interior design book, featuring several top designers across the nation including, Christopher Radko and HGTV personality Joe Ruggiero. Shayla is a member of the Interior Design Society and National Kitchen and Bath Association. Her new blog EN VOGUE with SHAYLA COPAS focuses on trends in home design and entertaining.

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Sally Nixon On Her ‘Seek-and-Find Book for Grown-ups’

Stephanie Maxwell Newton — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 20:28:01 +0000

The Little Rock illustrator on her new book, her black thumb, and her love of wood paneling

Sally Nixon’s detail-rich illustrations pack a lot of visual punch: Whether she’s drawing the corner of a couch or a packed public space, every aspect of the scene is filled with painstakingly intricate patterns and textures. That’s why it’s no surprise Nixon’s latest project, Houseplants and Hot Sauce: A Seek-and-Find Book for Grown-ups, was named in a lineup of Architectural Digest’s best coffee table books this fall. Her work has also been featured on Cosmopolitan, Mashable, Bustle, and Lenny Letter, as well as Volume 1 of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.

Houseplants and Hot Sauce plays on Nixon’s intricate drawing style to hide everyday objects in plain sight, à la Where’s Waldo or I Spy, if Waldo was looking for six glasses of red wine. You can find the book wherever books are sold, or join her for a book signing at Domestic Domestic on October 19.

Sally Nixon’s seek-and-find book for grown-ups, House Plants and Hot Sauce. Image via amazon.com

Q: The home is the setting of so many of your illustrations, both before this book and within its pages. What makes this setting appealing to you?
A: I draw a lot of home scenes because I want the viewer to be able to relate to the characters I illustrate. One way I communicate the personality and interests of the people I create is to draw their environments.

Image via sallynixon.com

Q: What have been your biggest influences in developing your style over the years?
A: The rooms and houses I draw are heavily influenced by the homes I grew up in and the women who decorated them. My grandmother’s style is very classic and beautiful. Most of the earlier homes and rooms I drew were based off her home. My mom’s style when I was growing up was more eclectic and 90s (which I love). The homes and rooms I draw now are influenced by my mom’s 90s style.

Image via sallynixon.com

Q: The homes in your illustrations have a lot of patterns and texture on the walls, rugs, and furniture. What’s your own home style like?
A: My home style is like most twenty-something renters: lots of hand-me-down pieces mixed with IKEA furniture and boring gray walls. If I didn’t rent, I’d have a house full of wallpapered walls and fun colors. I also love wood paneling.

Image via sallynixon.com

Q: Do you have any houseplants yourself?
A: I’m actually really bad at taking care of plants. They all die so I just stick to drawing them! I love the way monsteras look, though. If I was a better plant mom, I’d get one of those.

Image via amazon.com

Q: How did you come up with the idea for a seek-and-find book?
A: My illustration style is very detail oriented and I love hiding little Easter eggs for the viewer in all of my drawings. When I was coming up with ideas for my publisher, a seek-and-find book seemed like a natural choice. Also, coloring and activity books for adults have become super popular and I thought a seek-and-find would be a fun addition to the mix.

Follow Sally Nixon on Instagram at instagram.com/sallustration.

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Plan for Spontaneity by Chris H. Olsen

Laura LaRue — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 13:00:42 +0000

Part of a series: Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen

The best parties are the ones that seem spontaneous, right? Fun is had when party-goers get to enjoy what seems to have been just laid out, casual and not stodgy. Well, all that informality takes work. It’s not just chemistry, but also a bit of an alchemist at work. I’ll show you some photos of my annual Halloween party from last year, which will accompany my ideas for you to throw your own event that will get remembered. I’m about to give you some counter-intuitive advice: If you want your party to be talked about long after you throw it, you need to plan, plan, and then plan some more.

Hire a DJ. Try not to use your best friend, who ‘knows’ music, but will, at some point, want to wander off and meet the other guests. And, even better, hire a DJ who also does lighting. Because everything’s now digitalized, that part may be easier than you think. The tunes can almost spin themselves while the DJ also has time to create new effects with the lighting. Divide your lighting up into quadrants/areas, and pay attention to it all, from the front curb to the back wall. Take advantage of any surface. The DJ gave me all LED lights, so the house seemed to glow from the street and courtyard. Lighting is the first step in creating ambiance and mood, so don’t skimp.

No, these ghosts didn’t entail me assembling them while I hung over the balcony railing and teetered from a ladder along the corner wall. They’re projected, easy to do along with ambient light. And don’t forget colored light filters. You can create and deepen the mood with colored lights. In the old days, that meant tossing a scarf over a lampshade, but the world of lighting options is so much better now.

Livestream the action. That way, your guests out back will be able to keep up with what’s going on in the front of the house. And the DJ can take care of this detail.

Plan traffic flow and bring in small tables to provide your guests every option for a surface to hold plate, glass and elbow. Use tall round draped tables because they make efficient use of space and decorating them is easy. Plus, you can encourage your guests to stand, which means more room. But that brings up the next topic: Figure out seating. You’ll need to augment it because the best parties last for a while and some guests will want to sit to enjoy it at some point. Think about the directions your guests will take as they traverse your house and place seating along these routes, but at the edge.

Set up the table in an adjoining room, not in the line of traffic. Hire a caterer. Even if you’re the best cook and party planner, who wants to be in charge of steaming dumplings and warming sauces when you can be chatting up your guests? And don’t worry about a formal tablecloth for the table. Use your seasonal décor already in place and add a bit of fabric as a sort of table runner. And create a signature drink/cocktail. Your guests will be sure to remember that part. Last year’s drink at the party was the Vampire Martini. Which might mean you will need a bartender. Usually a caterer will also be able to provide one. You don’t want to get stuck behind the bar all night, do you?

For a theme party, hire actors for assigned roles to, well, act the part. My executioner was adept at standing motionless, so that the occasional guest got quite a fright from a sudden, dramatic move.

Making a list of intended guests is the easy part; it‘s the rest of the details that you‘ll need to contemplate. Think about what it is that thrills you at parties and recreate it. Leave nothing to chance. Ask friends for recommendations for staff to hire and create lists devoted to each area, such as food, music, lighting and effects, drinks, supplies, seating. And perform several walk throughs before the big day. Check each room and look at it as if you were the guest. All that carefree fun takes a bit of planning and work. But it will all be worthwhile when the photos and praise begin to flow the day after.

Happy Halloween,
Chris H. Olsen
Botanica Gardens

{Debi Davis Interior Design}

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How to Lighten Up Your Space

Laura LaRue — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:00:39 +0000

{We’re thrilled to have designer Debi Davis as our newest guest on the At Home in Arkansas blog! Enjoy!}

Let’s talk about the continuing trend today in homes: light colors, fewer items, and making spaces in your home functional, resulting in a fabulous look. There are lots of ways to bring light into a room.

• Paint is an easy fix to create a lighter and larger effect.
Color options are Silver Drop by Behr Paint, Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore and Gentle Cream by Benjamin Moore.

{Debi Davis Interior Design}

• Next take a look at your windows.
Do you have heavy dark lined drapes that block out light? It might be time to send those heavy drapes packing. You might want to choose light linen fabrics or other light colored fabrics. Also consider making your drapes less complicated in style. In addition, I would suggest using smaller and lighter rods, so your room doesn’t have such a heavy feel. By using a one-inch iron painted in a light gold, or the color of the wall, will further lighten the feeling of the room.

{Debi Davis Interior Design}

• Extend the light in your rooms by using lighter colored textiles with a soft texture to reflect light.
Great fabrics to select from include textured chenille, burn out velvets, linens, soft boucle and tone-on-tone embroidery fabrics. Any of these will give a layer affect to a room.

{Debi Davis Interior Design}

• When it comes to furnishings, try to add furniture that blends and that does not dominate the room.
Adding a new coffee table in acrylic, iron and glass or mirrored top is sure to give your room a pop.

{Debi Davis Interior Design}

• Lastly, add reflective surfaces and lighter rugs to your room.
A mirror placed on the opposite wall from a bank of windows helps to reflect the outdoor light back into the room. In addition, try adding a lighter rug in your space. There are lots of choices in the market. Light colored wood sisal rugs are strong now and an inexpensive choice. Bound rugs are another great choice and there are numerous resources for them. Bound rugs provide a soft and uncomplicated canvas to design your room around.

Just always remember: your home reflects you, how you live, your individual design and what works for you and your family.

Until next time…

Debi Davis with ATTAINABLE, LUXURY LIVING…

{photography by Rett Peek}

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Principles of Design

Laura LaRue — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 13:05:15 +0000

September has somehow snuck upon us already! Let’s look at how the elements of design work together to create the principles of balance, unity, variety, pattern, rhythm, contrast and emphasis.

www.wesleyhall.com

This living space styled by Wesley Hall is a perfect example of balance. The navy-blue walls offset the neutral upholstery but, in a way that coordinates with the other accessories in the room. We love the smooth lines of the pair of blue chairs that mirror the angular sunburst pictures. It is always fun to select a patterned fabric for a side chair or rug, and that also maintains the balance of the solid and patterned textiles.

In Thibaut’s Bridgehampton Collection houses both wallpapers and fabrics that are inspired by New York. The neutral color palette establishes a good canvas for the cheerful and festive designs of the wall paper and upholstery. We like the mixing and matching of patterns as it catches the eye’s attention, but isn’t too overwhelming.

www.distinctivecarpets.net

We are excited to share the new addition to Thibaut’s Grasscloth Resource Volume 4, the Piedmont blue raffia weave. This striking herringbone pattern coupled with the gray solid colored chest allows for the print to make a statement without being overbearing.

Fairwater Woven Wilton Ocean by Distinctive Carpets immediately got our attention with its water like rhythm. It is an excellent way to bring energy into a space, especially when working with solid upholstered fabrics. This is also a good example of contrast working hand in hand with rhythm with the navy-blue flooring against the cream-colored chairs.

www.wesleyhall.com

We love color! And Wesley Hall has designed a beautiful living area full of wonderful contrasting colors. The beige neutral rug is a good backbone for the color palette of the room. Each shade of blue and green work together to form a cohesive space by combining the right amount of contrast with the neutral splashes of white and black.

You can’t help but feel elegant when standing in the presence of the Chelsea Collection from Thibaut’s wallpaper line. This pattern is called Joli Trail in the aqua colorway. The use of simple clean lines for furnishings and a fresh white color palette allows the emphasis to be on the wall covering. We think this collection is quite charming because it develops more classic prints into trendy styles.

I hope you enjoyed learning about the principles and elements of design with today’s trends! I know I sure am looking forward to Halloween in October! We love holidays and all of the accessories that accompany them.

Shayla Copas

Photo courtesy of Janet Warlick

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Fall for All by Chris Olsen

Laura LaRue — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 13:15:00 +0000

Can you tell there’s a change about? You’ve probably noticed that the light has evolved in the last couple of weeks, becoming less potent, but also more golden. The air has also stilled a bit. Except when hurricanes come ashore, that is. The scents borne on breezes have also taken on a bit of an edge. Fall approaches. And aren’t we glad? No sense waiting for crisp mornings and forests of turning foliage to give you official permission to create a bit of change in your seasonal décor, however. Select a couple of surfaces you want to use for fall bounty, start now, and add elements as the season progresses.

I’m using two surfaces today, the sideboard and dinning table. They’re large enough to hold all pieces I want to add during the season. Here, on the sideboard, I’ve assembled the usual suspects: fall mums in terra cotta; warty and deeply colored squash; occasional branches; mini pumpkins. If you begin your display with what’s expected, you can add what’s not later. What’s the overall goal? Use matte textures redolent of autumn, and strong color in a few pieces. Pile and strew them about with little to no regularity.

Now, let’s move to the dining table, also a great space that lends itself to changes and augmented design throughout the season. I began with green, but not the grassy verdant shades. Olive pots, and typical windowsill plants that also have a hue that evokes late summer, early fall. And note the little boxwoods for a bit of prim order. Once you’ve arranged and mixed the plants, then scatter votives around and a few turning leaves. Those votives don’t shine when lit as much as they provide a shimmer that also is great this time of year.

You can add pumpkins and squash as you encounter them. Stores will soon be piled up with fall produce, so you might even like something else besides pumpkins. Try ripe ears of corn, pomegranates, or anything else you find. The idea is that the design evolves over time, and you add little items to evoke the season.

No seasonal design should stand alone; you want it to rest comfortably within the room and complement what’s already there. Using fall colors makes your wooden surfaces gleam and, if you have a bit of gold or other metallic in the room–like the mirror frame–you’ll notice that everything takes on a burnished glow. And the improvised cornucopia on the sideboard fits into the room, with its bright painting and plant in a stand. You want to use found objects and plants, but you also want a bit of serenity in design. And it doesn’t take much to make it all come together. If you look at what’s already in the room, you can always find design unity in color, texture, and shape.

Check your design every few days. Turn the plants, if they’ve grown towards the light, and move elements around. Add to your design when you find something that evokes the season, or that you just plain like.

Once you’ve created the tablescape, step back and admire the mix. Because that’s what it’s all about. Maybe you didn’t think these white modular dining chairs would work here, but they do. By adding just what I liked–nothing too large or overpowering, mind you–my design complements the entire room. Personal seasonal design is just another term for using what you have, along with using what you like.

Once you find the right pumpkin, give it the place of honor. As the sought-after guest, it can arrive later, only when you find the one that works with what you already have in place.

Fall décor? Pretty simple. Use the expected elements of the season, and pile them up as needed. Showcase the season. And chances are, since you’re adding what you like, it will blend with and complement what you already have in your room. It’s not just about texture, color and placement; it’s also about using the things that resonate with you.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

dalenoart4.mybigcommerce.com

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A Look Back

Laura LaRue — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 13:15:49 +0000

After almost seven years as a guest blogger for At Home in Arkansas, this month’s post is my last. What a fun creative experience it’s been! I was lucky enough to get to know the Arkansas design world a little bit when I lived in Little Rock and continue to admire it from afar. Y’all have seriously great taste. Thank you for reading my musings over the years. I hope you’ve enjoyed these little bits of inspiration as much as I have!

For my final post, I wanted to round up my all-time favorite photos that I’ve posted over the years, and they’ve all got an eclectic, layered feel to them. I love an all-white room every now and again but I seem to always gravitate toward a mix of colors, patterns, and textures.

Enjoy! xoxo

Cece

Design by Nick Olsen
My Domaine

Design by Ken Fulk
Architectural Digest

Design by Peter Dunham
Veranda

Design by Margaret and Jay McEntire
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Oberto Gili
Domino

Design by Albert Hadley
Lonny

Design by Carolina Irving
Vogue Living

Design by May Daouk
Architectural Digest

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Welcome to Our New Editor

Norma Edwards — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 18:31:22 +0000

We’re glad to welcome Stephanie Maxwell to the At Home team as our new editor! Read on for a peek into Stephanie’s personal style and experience.

How would you describe your home and style?

My fiancé and I recently moved into a little yellow house in Hillcrest that’s within walking distance of our favorite coffee shop. Ever since we unpacked, blending our styles has been a fun and interesting challenge – I love contrasting textures, bold patterns, and funky vintage finds, and he has more of a minimalist approach to décor. I think we’ve found a sweet spot where our tastes overlap – you’ll see lots of clean lines, black-and-white accents, and walls filled with local art. My goal is to make a home that is inviting and comfortable but also totally us.

What’s your favorite room in the house?

Right now, I’d have to say the living room. It’s not only where we spend the most time together, but it’s also where we have most of our books – to me, a house just is not a home without books on the shelves. I’ve been known to spend hours arranging my books by color … which sounds incredibly tedious, but is actually so much fun.

What’s been your most interesting living space?

I spent a little over a year in London after college, and that third-floor Victorian flat I shared with four other girls would definitely qualify as interesting. It had wonderfully tall ceilings and a tiny galley kitchen where one wall opened up to look into the crowded living room. The place wasn’t in great shape, but it had amazing potential – and you can’t beat the location.

Will readers recognize you from any other publications?

For the past couple of years I’ve been working in the marketing department at Garver, a locally based engineering firm. Before that, I wrote and copyedited for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s niche publications; in fact, copyediting the weekly Homes Arkansas section of the newspaper served as my primer on interior design, architecture, and gardening techniques. My writing has appeared in Sync, Arkansas Life, Arkansas Money & Politics, and The Idle Class, as well as on designsponge.com.

What makes you most excited about being editor for At Home?

Some of the most inspiring, creative, and talented people I’ve ever met have been right here in Arkansas. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to share their stories far and wide!

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Elements of Design

Laura LaRue — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 13:15:10 +0000

It’s August, and you know what that means…school is back in session! I thought this would be a perfect time to review the elements and principles of design regarding current trends. This month we will learn about the elements of design and shift into the principles of design in September. Just as an artist uses brushes, paints, and pencils, an interior designer utilizes the more abstract “tools” of line, shape, color, value, form, texture, and space.nachtmann-online.com

Any piece designed by Riedel or Nachtmann is guaranteed to be beautifully sculpted, and the Slice Votive Candle Holder is a prime example. We were enchanted by the clean lines that form this circular formation. Line and shape are a dynamic duo in the design world! I foresee an order of these candle holders for our office in the near future…

Color is my favorite tool to work with because of the fabulous color palettes that can be created. In Daleno’s Carrie Collection, the heels are so hot they are melting with color! This element is used to bring life and emotion to images, but can also establish value and space. We encourage our clients to integrate splashes of color with artwork, pillows, accessories, etc.

dalenoart4.mybigcommerce.com

Value is essentially the lightness or darkness of a color and space is a guideline for the physical boundaries of an object. Fiftys Recorder IV by Daleno shows the different levels of transparency within the geometric objects. This demonstrates how value effects depth perception. As discussed above, color helps to establish the guidelines of objects. This is one way that allows for the creation of the element of space. Abstract art is great for uniting different accessories that you may not have thought about pairing before!

Finally, are the elements of form and texture. Form is the outline of three dimensional objects and texture is defined as the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface. The amount of textures is endless as well as the design effects they can provide.

www.worlds-away.com

The eye-catching Marlowe Mon Stool by World’s Away is the perfect example of both form and texture. The semi-circular arched base in the Lucite silver gloss finish provides an amazing contrast to the natural Mongolian fur cushion. Acrylic is still going strong in the design industry. The best combinations are normally the ones with a strong juxtaposition of design elements. We immediately had to go and try out this statement piece!

www.worlds-away.com

The Bentley Bcon four drawer black dresser is another example of form and texture. The wood print is so realistic that it creates a “visual texture.” The simplicity of the structure of geometric forms is why they pair well with a bold texture. The Bentley is perfect because it can be dressed up or down depending on its use as distressed wood is very trendy right now.

I hope you enjoyed your crash course of the elements of design! Enjoy the summer weather while it’s still here. ?

Shayla Copas

Photo courtesy of Janet Warlick

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Perennial: In Every Sense of the Word

Laura LaRue — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 13:15:40 +0000

Don’t you wish occasionally that you could just plant something and walk away? Never have to prune, water, feed, deadhead, divide, or replace when it turns up its toes? Then maybe I have an idea for you. What if I told you you could just about have it all? Year-long color and zero maintenance. Never have to reach for your snips because your garden addition would always be exactly what you put in the ground. I’d like to show you some ideas for additions to your garden that will last and last.

Metal flowers with a vintage or expressionistic look. I designed daffodils, ‘daisies,’ and lilies to intersperse among the real blooming plants in my garden border. I used a couple of artistic styles in the fabrication process to avoid any sameness. The copper daisy-like flowers behind the daffodils oxidized quickly, so they have a great patina already. And, because their centers serve as shallow bowls, they hold water for the occasional songbird. Also in this border beyond them, you’ll see some rust-colored lilies. The variation in these designs means the metal flowers fit in even better with the blooming annuals and perennials they live with. All I ever have to do is perhaps turn them, or reinsert the stems in the ground after a rain, for the right happy angle.

Variations of color add to the effect. I didn’t want flowers that were sprayed a uniform color, but did want a kind of vintage look and, even more importantly, colors that would both contrast and complement what was blooming in the bed. Painted in this manner, these daffodils seem both more lifelike and more cartoon-like. I’m not trying to fool anyone into thinking I have giant daffodils blooming in August, but I do want the casual observer to note how well these additions work with the hard-working bloomers around them. And how neighborly they also are.

The metal flowers also bring out the green around them. See that pink lily? Look at how the gradations of green seem to pop out at you. It’s not just about flowers; foliage can be highlighted as well when you mix up your plantings.

Not just beautiful. Also functional. The copper bloom nodding above its ‘real’ companions also serves a purpose; it holds a small amount of water to be used by any passing bird. Who needs a birdbath when a flower can do the work?

Water can bring out the best of metals used in the garden. I love little—unexpected—water features, and they’re easy to install and maintain. The color of this Vietnamese-made rain vessel the water streams into seemed to call out for these lotus leaves and pods. The shapes are right, the color perfect and complementary, and I’ve created a sort of pond with lotus and water. And don’t forget you receive another sensory nudge: burbling water. And copper always oxidizes into that great pale color.

Additions to your garden border don’t always have to be real, growing plants. You can augment what you have already with something that will last through the seasons, and requires no maintenance. Also injecting a bit of irony or fun in your garden will mean you—and your guests—will get more enjoyment from it. Something we sometimes forget: Gardens are not just meant for beauty; they are also meant for joy.

Live Life to the Fullest,
Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

[Shayla Copas via At Home in Arkansas]

The post Perennial: In Every Sense of the Word appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

New Directions

Norma Edwards — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 19:43:03 +0000

The At Home team would like to welcome our new Art Director Lauren Cerrato. She comes to us with experience in graphic and interior design, printing and photo styling. We thought a little Q&A would help you get to know the newest member of our team.

You’re a graphic artist with a passion for interior design. Can you tell our readers how your personal and professional life blend the two?

I’ve always been obsessed with making a space my own. Even if it was church camp for a week, you could spot my bunk from the rest. When my husband and I bought our first home in West Little Rock, I finally had some freedom to do that. Shortly after, I left my design position at an advertising agency to start my own business. I began making custom art prints so my clients could have a space that reflected them, as well. I had found my niche, and I was blending my graphic design experience with my love for the home.

When the house next door to my husband’s brother became available in Hillcrest, my husband and I now had complete free reign to customize our space. We gutted our 1920s Craftsman and got to call the shots from floor to ceiling. Renovation has quieted down and we are left with only a few more cosmetic projects and furniture decisions.

Now another great opportunity has presented itself and the At Home Art Director position has become available. Another piece of the puzzle has fallen right into place. I’m a firm believer in the effect that your environment has on you. I’m very passionate about anything that has to do with the home so I’m grateful and honored to contribute to the number one home design resource in the state.

Your fixer upper has its own eclectic style. Do you feel like there’s a way to describe it?

I call it rustic modern but there are also vintage finds (our living room rug and our church pew) or industrial touches (our concrete fireplace.) So, I guess we should stick with “eclectic.” Again, I just try to find pieces and make design decisions based on what will represent my family and tell our story. My husband co-owns a Herman Miller dealership. So, we have access to some amazing mid-century modern furniture. We also love being outdoors and that’s reflected in our style, as well. You’ll find a tree stump end table (from a tree that fell on my dad’s hunting land) next to a modern chair. There’s a gnarled piece of driftwood (from the shore near our family’s lake house) as the centerpiece on our sleek, white oak dining table. I think the contrast all works together and every detail tells our story.

Who is your interior design style icon?

Amber Lewis is the designer at an LA-based design firm called Amber Interiors and she’s pretty amazing. None of her spaces look alike yet I can spot one of her rooms in a sea of Instagram photos. I would never try to duplicate (because that’s not very unique) but I definitely get a lot of inspiration from her. Her spaces are clean and bright and she mixes unusual colors and patterns that always turn out great together.

The post New Directions appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

How They Decorated

Laura LaRue — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 13:15:36 +0000

From socialites to artists, How They Decorated: Inspiration From Great Women of the Twentieth Century, takes you on a tour of the homes of the most noteworthy style icons of the 1900s.

“The book is presented in four sections that describe the aesthetic approaches that the ladies took in decorating their abodes: The Fashionably Chic, The Unconventional Eye, In the Grand Manner, and Legacy Style.”

[Georgia O’Keefe]

[Lady Diana Cooper]

[Pauline de Rothschild]

Throughout the book you will also find gorgeous renderings and illustrations by Cecil Beaton, Jeremiah Goodman, and Jimmie Henslee. These images provide depth and detail in a way that you may not fully see in a regular photograph.

[Pauline de Rothschild – Rendering by Jimmie Henslee]

[Babe Paley – Rendering by Jimmie Henslee]

Many recurring trends can be seen throughout this book, with my favorite being the murals. You can achieve this look by hand-painting (SegretoVignettes), wallpaper, or even hand-painted wallpaper.

[Eiffinger]

[Bear Hill Interiors]

[Jaima and Co.]

[Lulu and Georgia]

[Jaima Brown]

[degournay]

To find out more about the history of interior design, check out P. Gaye Tapp’s blog, little augery. You can also find her book, How They Decorated, at Cynthia East Fabrics.

-Callie
Callie is the fabrication manager and designer at Designer Effects, a To-the-Trade fabric and wallcovering showroom in Little Rock. She is the curator of @fdworkrooms, an Instagram account where she showcases the work of fellow drapery and upholstery workrooms across the world. She enjoys baking and has been in love with Harrison Ford since she was 10.

Designer Effects // designereffects.ne

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Outdoor Style

Laura LaRue — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 13:30:59 +0000

We are on a roll with our outdoor projects during the hot summer months as clients are wanting to dress up their outdoor spaces. I want to share with our readers some outdoor inspiration as we settle into July. Pour a big glass of sweet tea and read on to learn a bit more about our favorite products that are sure to bring style to your sunny days.

Thibaut’s Oasis Collection outdoor fabric is colorful, tropical and just what the doctor ordered for our hot Arkansas months. As we sit poolside, it’s bright island feel makes me think of the Caribbean.

Since I am on the Thibaut trail today, I want to share one of my favorites from the Oasis Collection, their Shambala leopard. I love this fabric because it transitions well to indoor projects. We tend to specify outdoor fabrics a lot lately because the of the versatility of using a stainproof fabric inside. So many of our clients have children and pets, therefore we have to be quite cognoscente of staining and wear. Did you know that Thibaut’s outdoor fabrics have a five year warranty against stain and fading?

www.pavilion-furniture.com

I have been a fan of Pavilion Outdoor Furniture for quite some time and am in love with their new Empire collection. Pavilion has several finishes to choose from and it is sometimes hard to make a decision with all of the lovely shades. I am specifying outdoor furnishings in a gunmetal finish as of late, rather than the bronze pictured above. Things are lightening up a lot in residential outdoor design.

Selemat Designs is a valuable resource for trending outdoor chairs. I adore their Regeant 4 Season Dining Side Chair in blue. This powder coated aluminum chair upholstered in Sunbrella quick dry fabric is stylish and functional.

www.selamatdesigns.com

Hope you enjoyed this month’s outdoor style blog, I look forward to bringing you more fab trends in August. Stay cool!

XOXO,
Shayla

Photo courtesy of Janet Warlick

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Immerse Yourself in the Details

Laura LaRue — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 13:30:08 +0000

We all want people to enjoy themselves when they come to our home. How does that enjoyment come about? We serve good food, encourage hearty conversation, give our guests an experience they wouldn’t necessarily have at home. The best get-togethers entail a certain magic, don’t they? Your job as host is to attend to the details, so the magic can take place. And no detail should be beneath you. I suggest you prioritize, maybe make lists, but then stand back and look around. Is each room, each corner, each setting, done up in expectation that your guests can make themselves comfortable and delight in their surroundings? Have you anticipated and provided everything you think they’ll want? Once you’ve attended to the big stuff, it’s time to pay attention to even the smallest of details.

Sit a spell. Many of us entertain around the pool during the warm months. People love to be near the water, even if they aren’t taking a plunge. Dress up your pool area with towels you‘ve selected for this purpose, and provide ample seating. When I say ’seating,’ I don’t just mean chairs and chaises. Drop pillows poolside and provide a towel for each. Your guests might want to dangle their legs in the pool and you’re giving them a way to do it. Even the most formal party will benefit from this touch. Your guests may not take advantage of your offer, but they’ll appreciate it just the same.

Stack ’em up. Move a chaise even nearer to the pool edge, then plunk down a towel and pillow. If a guest doesn’t want to sit directly on the concrete, he or she can still access water’s edge with this seating nearby. And pay attention to color, either contrasting or complementary.

Fire and Water. After you’ve provided seating and towels to wick away moisture, don’t forget to add candles for a glow that will take you into twilight and dark. Scented or unscented will do, and to ward off mosquitoes, don’t forget the citronella. Exterior lighting can be abrupt or harsh, and candles go far to soften it.

Bringing it together. This photo is deceptively simple, but it encompasses quite a bit. You’ll find the seating, towel, pillow, flickering candle, and finally a robust plant in a pot. You’ve set the stage for your guests to stay as long as they wish. Isn’t that what we all seek when you entertain? That our guests linger and enjoy the conversation and surroundings? It’s all in the details you provide, the staging you set.

You’ll notice I didn’t state that everything must match, or that there are rules to follow for success. The towels should be selected for poolside use, but that’s the only requirement. Maybe you want to mix it up with contrasting colors or pattern, or use the same color palette all the way around the pool. And the diverse selection of cushions and fabric made to use outdoors has skyrocketed, so you’ll find a wide selection to chose from anywhere you shop. Once you‘ve paid attention to each detail, when people arrive, they can relax and spontaneity will set in. Not only is it in the mix of guests and entertaining elements, it’s also in your eye for detail. And all that means is taking a look around and anticipating what your friends and family–and you–will enjoy.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

[Suzanne Kasler for Lee Jofa]

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Hot Picks: Summer Skincare Essentials

Norma Edwards — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 14:21:37 +0000

Pamper yourself with these practical and pretty must-haves

1/ Get the results of a professional peel without skin irritation. Darphin’s L’Institut Youth Resurfacing Peel refines texture, minimizes signs of photo-aging, reduces fine lines, and promotes a radiant appearance. Feinstein’s, Little Rock, (501) 664-7330, feinsteins.com

2/ Protect your skin from harmful rays with Coola’s Farm to Face® sourced Classic Sport Sunscreen, which is made from 70% organic ingredients. This unscented, hypoallergenic suncare is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes—making it perfect for all ages. Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion also available. Pout, Little Rock, (501) 224-8222, poutoflr.com

3/ Bond No. 9’s “Nolita” is touted as the world’s first perfume-lipstick duo. Named after one of New York’s hottest neighborhoods, the scent features notes of fressia and tangerine. Powder & Smoke, Little Rock, (501) 225-5353, powderandsmoke.com

4/ Wipe away the day’s makeup—along with pollutants and impurities—using La Mer’s Cleansing Micellar Water. The brand’s signature marine nutrients will hydrate, soothe, and renew your skin in the process. cremedelamer.com

5/ Made in the Ozarks, CreekBaby’s Coco-Olive Facial Crème is an all-in-one product that can be used as a makeup remover, moisturizer, beard and hair conditioner, or makeup primer. It is unscented and made from organic products. Haus Werk, Little Rock, (501) 663-5251, shophauswerk.com

6/ Keep your color and protect your pout with Supergoop! Shine-On! Lip Screen. Apply this clear top coat over your favorite lip color to protect from harmful rays. supergoop.com

The post Hot Picks: Summer Skincare Essentials appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Local Favorites: Weekend Getaways

Norma Edwards — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 13:48:05 +0000

In every issue, we share top picks in categories such as renovation professionals, local eateries, and more—all submitted by you, our valued readers. This month, we’re taking a look at your top picks for nearby escapes.

21c Museum Hotel, Bentonville, AR
Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock, AR
Arkansas Delta Byways
Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, Hot Springs, AR
Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, MO
Blanchard Springs Caverns, Mountain View, AR
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville, AR
Buffalo Outdoor Center, Ponca, AR
Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, AR
Crowley’s Ridge State Park, Paragould, AR
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR
DeGray Lake Resort State Park Lodge, Bismarck, AR
Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs, AR
Gaston’s White River Resort, Lakeview, AR
Henderson Park Inn Beachside Bed & Breakfast, Destin, FL
Lindsey’s Resort, Heber Springs, AR
Madison Hotel, Memphis, TN
Mansion Theatre, Branson, MO
Mid-America Science Museum, Hot Springs, AR
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa, Mt. Ida, AR
Mt. Nebo State Park, Morrilton, AR
Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, Hot Springs, AR
Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton, AR
Robinson Center Auditorium, Little Rock, AR
Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville, AR
The Alluvian Hotel & Viking Cooking School, Greenwood, MS
The Chancellor Hotel, Fayetteville, AR
The Guesthouse at Graceland, Memphis, TN
The Lodge at Mount Magazine, Paris, AR
The Peabody, Memphis, TN
The Red Apple Inn, Heber Springs, AR
Walmart AMP, Rogers, AR
Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville, AR

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Inspired Interiors

Laura LaRue — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 13:30:11 +0000

As I was walking around Cobblestone and Vine looking for the next book to feature, I found an oldie-but-goodie! In 2011, two years after being published, Suzanne Kasler did a book signing at Cobblestone’s Heights location for her debut book Inspired Interiors. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend, but I did receive an autographed copy as a gift! Entranced by the furniture sketches on the inside front cover, I flip the page to see this sweet, simple note.

Inspired Interiors is full of beautifully designed rooms while giving you a peek of Kasler’s design process. I could fill this blog post with just as many inspiring design quotes as inspiring photographs.

“Don’t let anything into your rooms unless it has meaning for you. Then your home will always give you great pleasure.” — Suzanne Kasler

[Suzanne Kasler
“When you paint a room all white, you lose any sense of boundaries. Suddenly the space seems infinitely big.”

[Suzanne Kasler
“I don’t want a room to look decorated. It should look collected.

[Suzanne Kasler]
“When you begin with white, you can introduce other colors in unexpected ways.”

[Suzanne Kasler]
“I study the architecture and make any adjustments that are needed. Once you get the architecture right, you can take the decorating in any direction.”

[Suzanne Kasler]
“People think of comfort and beauty as two separate things, but they’re actually indivisible for me.”

[Suzanne Kasler]
“I love beautiful fabrics. I’ll often save the boldest pattern for the curtains, and hang them floor to ceiling. They can have such an impact on a room.”

[Suzanne Kasler]
“My method is simple. I strategically layer color to build up the effect in a room.”

[Suzanne Kasler]
“A good [antique] piece will hold its value and you will treasure it forever.”

[Suzanne Kasler]
“If you get the background right, you don’t have to overdo what you put into it.”

[Suzanne Kasler]
In the book, Kasler introduces you to her many collections with some of the top name vendors, including Hickory Chair, Visual Comfort and Soicher-Marin. Below, you can see part of her trim collection with Lee Jofa.
“Dressmaker details make my upholstery very special.”

If you enjoy Inspired Interiors, be sure to check out Timeless Style. Both can be found at Cobblestone and Vine.

[Suzanne Kasler]

Designer Effects // designereffects.net

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Color Psychology (Part 3 of 3)

Laura LaRue — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 13:30:52 +0000

As we enter summer, more of our clients are ready to redecorate. Color selection is a topic that most consumers struggle to overcome so we thought it would be helpful if we delve into how color has a psychological impact in interior design. Color is such a broad subject, so we are wrapping up our three part series and hope you enjoy learning about color psychology.

RED– A color well known for excitement and intense feelings; red is a color that should be specified with great thought. Because it increases appetite, it is utilized in culinary design frequently. A few fun facts about this passionate color are listed below.
•   Creates feelings of excitement and intense emotions
•   Can create intense anger
•   Is known to create warmth, comfort, and love when warmer shades of red are utilized
•   Increases heart rate and blood pressure
•   Increases appetite

BROWN– A beloved neutral that provides warmth, safety, and comfort, Brown is one of the most favored of neutrals. Take a look at this color’s characteristics below.
•   Provides warmth, strength, and security
•   Reduces stress and conflict
•   Soothes tense muscles
•   People tend to “open up” when surrounded by brown
•   Comforting
•   Provides credibility and reassurance

BLACK – Elegant, bold, and ideal for highlighting key pieces in a room; black absorbs all light in the color spectrum and is often regarded as a color of power and strength.
•   Sophisticated and elegant
•   Provides a feeling of trustworthiness and feels friendly
•   Creates enthusiasm and excitement
•   Increases heart rate
•   Increases appetite and is therefore used in the restaurant industry frequently
•   Improves lung functioning and is specified in bedrooms for children with asthma
•   Utilized in workout rooms because of it’s energizing effect
•   Provides a feeling of being “grounded” in the space
•   Bold and strong

I hope you enjoyed the last post of our color psychology series. It’s fun to learn how the mind responds to color!

Shayla

Photo courtesy of Janet Warlick

Shayla Copas, owner and principal designer of Shayla Copas Interiors is an award winning Arkansas designer who has been voted by numerous publications as a favorite designer in the state. Her work has graced the pages of AT HOME IN ARKANSAS and other statewide and national publications throughout her 20 year career. Most recently, her work was featured on the cover of a Christmas interior design book, featuring several top designers across the nation including, Christopher Radko and HGTV personality Joe Ruggiero. Shayla is a member of the Interior Design Society and National Kitchen and Bath Association. Her new blog EN VOGUE with SHAYLA COPAS focuses on trends in home design and entertaining.

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Fountains Provide a Cascade of Pleasure

Laura LaRue — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 15:01:26 +0000

A great landscape design is not just about the plants, or color at specific times of the year. You’ve heard me say that before, but it bears repeating: In order to truly enjoy your outdoor spaces you need to provide points of interest and novelty, not just perennials and annuals, growing cheek by jowl. Further visual interest can be incorporated with rock and what’s known as ’hardscape,’ These additions can contrast perfectly with what’s growing. But how about adding another sensory element, such as sound? No, I’m not talking about a speaker system. What can work well can be a water feature, which adds much, much more to your visual design. I’ll show you two distinct fountains that can add real pleasure to your outdoor spaces.

This traditional fountain placed at a strategic point in the garden performs a great task; it serves as a destination and focal point. It has all that typical fountains provide, such as low maintenance, attraction for songbirds, and a style that is complementary to the house. Bust as you gaze at this photo, you know what’s also here: The calm and lovely sound of trickling water. That one sound makes a fountain, no matter its size, a point of interest to all. Something else cool about this one is that, no, it’s not made of cast iron. It’s concrete stained black. Talk about low cost and upkeep. And your foundation plantings and annual planted for seasonal color seem to almost lean into this water feature.

One of a pair, this fountain is fabricated from recycled brick, vintage waterspout, and glazed jars we offer at Botanica. I designed this pair to serve as a sort of boundary in the garden, and everything to build them was found and repurposed. I created an open top, and installed four LED uplights within. The fountains are also lit at night. I used vintage spouts and inserted the motor in each. You can just plug these water features in and walk away. What’s nice here is that they’re upright and not bulky, which means they won’t overpower the space and you’ll have plenty of room to nestle plants all around. Fountains, by the way, don’t call for specific or traditional plantings only. A water feature will only bring out the best of your plant groupings, no matter the style or quantity.

Remember this fountain is not cast iron, but concrete. You wouldn’t know that unless you studied it closely. It is a great addition to this garden, however, because it’s on another level and creates further dimension to the design. And, like I said before, the sound of the water–soothing and tranquil–will attract and delight your guests.

Because this pair of fountains would be part of the garden boundary, I wanted to make sure the fence itself didn’t detract from them. And, in keeping with the recycle-reuse-repurpose philosophy I was mindful of while creating the fountains, I chose iron salvaged from an old carport on the property. The brick fountains pull the eye up, and aren’t hulking or massive, yet are also unexpected. These fountains have spouts that control the water flow, so what you get in the way of sound here is a ’burble,’ not a splash. Which means you can convene the book club nearby, and everyone can be heard.

Garden design doesn’t have to be confined to elements that we can see only. Don’t forget your other senses when planning your space. And fountains don’t have to be expensive or large. You can find a fountain design–or design one yourself–that will fit any budget and any space. The sounds of water flowing up, over, and down as it follows gravity will delight you and your guests, no matter the season.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

[Lilly Pulitzer via The Glam Pad]

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Local Favorites: Boutiques

Norma Edwards — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 14:44:59 +0000

Each month we ask readers to share their favorite local sources in a variety of categories from renovation professionals to eateries. This month we’re sharing your most-loved locally owned boutiques. Here’s a look at who topped the list:

Accessory Gallery, Hot Springs
B. Barnett, Little Rock
Beige, Little Rock
Bell & Sward, Conway
Bella Boutique, Little Rock
Bella Jacks, Fayetteville
By Request, Fayetteville
Ciao Bella, Hot Springs
E. Leigh’s, Conway, Fayetteville, and Little Rock
Elysians, Bentonville
Euna Mae’s, Springdale
Fringe, Little Rock
Hipsway, Conway
Indigo, Little Rock
J. Duke, Little Rock
Jeans & Java, Hot Springs
Kristen Chase, Little Rock
Lola, Bentonville and Fayetteville
Proposals, Little Rock
Reinvented Vintage, Little Rock
Riffraff, Fayetteville
Ropa, Rogers
Simply Dixie, Little Rock
Steamroller Blues, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Rogers
The Full Moon, Little Rock
Tulips, Little Rock
Vesta’s, Conway, Little Rock, and Rogers
White Goat, Little Rock

Be sure to vote in our other Local Favorites categories, which will be revealed in future print issues of At Home in Arkansas.

Click Here to Vote Now! >>

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Palm Beach Chic

Laura LaRue — Thu, 25 May 2017 13:15:44 +0000

Written by long-time resident Jennifer Ash Rudick, Palm Beach Chic brings to life the wide array of design styles across the island. She notes that the homes “show the remarkable results that can be achieved through the blending of professional skill, unfettered imagination, and the natural beauty of the subtropics.”

The subtropical beauty of this cover is what drew me to this book at the new, and oh-so-cute, Fresh ID in the Heights. I immediately reached for the ritzy, rhinestone fish clutch that was close by to take this shot on a perfectly textured grasscloth-covered dresser.

The book takes you on a journey of many different design styles across the famous island. Right now I want to take you on a journey of some of my favorite tropical fabrics and wallpapers, starting with another Palm Beach resident and significant designer of the area, Lilly Pulitzer. We all know of her iconic clothing and accessory line, but she has translated that resort style into a fabric, trim, and wallcovering collection with Lee Jofa.

“Palm Beach was Lilly’s playground and everyone was welcome.”

[Lilly Pulitzer via Pinterest]

[Lilly Pulitzer via Veranda]

[Pierre Frey via The English Room]

[Clarke and Clarke]

[Pinterest]

[Pierre Frey via The English Room]

[Coastal Living]

[DeGournay via Pinterest]

[Instagram]

[Pinterest]

“I realize that Palm Beach was basically what it has always been – the land of dreams come true…” – Jennifer Ash Rudick

Designer Effects // designereffects.net

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Entertaining

Laura LaRue — Mon, 22 May 2017 13:00:56 +0000

I don’t know about all of you, but with the weather getting warmer and warmer, I can sense lots of dinner parties on the horizon. Lately it’s not the traditional dining rooms that have gotten my attention. Instead, I’ve been obsessing over bold dining spaces, many with a hint of midcentury and all with an overall eclectic (yet still totally sophisticated) vibe. Random, right? Luckily I’m not the only one craving this look!

Design by Josh Plumlee
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Barrie Benson
Photo by Brie Williams
Garden & Gun

Design by Kelly Wearstler
AD Russia

Design by Finley Design Group
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Jonathan Adler
Photo by Winnie Au
Architectural Digest

Design and Photo by Rosie Case
Instagram

Design by Nick Olsen
Photo by Simon Upton
World of Interiors

How do you plan to entertain this season?

Cece Fourchy Quinn is a native Californian who fell in love with the South during school at Ole Miss. She created her blog, Mississippi Maven, to share inspirations on interiors, fashion and all things stylish. After college she relocated to Little Rock where she worked in design and further honed her aesthetic. Now back in her hometown on the West Coast, she spends her time scouring flea markets for unique finds, hoarding shelter magazines and dreaming of the South.

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Rock of Ages

Laura LaRue — Thu, 04 May 2017 13:15:13 +0000

When you think of the word ‘landscape,’ you think of plants, right? For any project, especially curbside or at the entrance of your property, you endeavor to create the right mix: trees for height, canopy, and anchor, shrubs for depth and dimension, select perennials, cheery annuals you change out seasonally. But what if instead of creating that massing of plant material at the center, the eye level of your design, you used large rock instead? And planted around it. One boulder–or two or three–can provide every bit as much interest as all those specimens and be a real focal point for your design. I didn’t create the landscape for this home, but I love the impact of natural stone incorporated here. The plants grow up, over, and around the rock, and there’s still room for seasonal interest.

A mature landscape area often loses depth and scale because plants grow. That shrub you admired when you bought it can outgrow its allotted space in just a few seasons. The bloom cover you so love is now eight feet in the air, not three. Those beautiful glossy leaves now tend to turn their backside to you. Which means you have to pull it out and start over every few years. A rock won’t do that to you. It remains as reliable as the day you brought it in and rested it under the trees.

And a large rock is also a good staging area. Does a certain vine attract you? Plant behind or alongside your rock and let it grow and scrabble over the top. And that froth of blooms you get annually is nice against the color. You can add a bit of middle ground height behind it, like these cannas, to give your design depth, and pull the eye up. Next to the boulder are grasses and daylilies, their lance-like foliage a contrast in growth form. Plus, they provide dependability, as do all perennials. They’re also hardy, which may be necessary; stone tends to radiate heat in thewarm months.

Once it’s all in place, you’ll perform a bit of maintenance on these plantings as they nestle in with the rock. But you save your energy for seasonal plantings right up front. Annual color pops when it is featured with stone.

And another good idea about combining rock with plants is that you can adjust the size of your design according to the space. If you wish to use the same idea in a courtyard or create interest in a lackluster corner, just size down your rock accordingly, and use the same mix of (downsized) plants. You can have this combination in full sun or shade. Another good thing about stone in the landscape is that stone doesn’t have a list of requirements to grow.

As always, I encourage you to think of new ideas for your landscape. Ideas that will give you pleasure and maybe a bit of a thrill when you turn in your drive. Natural rock can be as exciting as any plant recommended at the nursery. Just place it, use it as a complement to your favorite plants, then stand back and admire your work. And that chunk of granite or sandstone won’t get thirsty or overgrown or need maintenance. How nice is that?

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

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Color Psychology (Part 2 of 3)

Laura LaRue — Mon, 01 May 2017 13:00:50 +0000

As we slide through spring, more of our clients are ready to redecorate. Deciding upon color is a topic that most consumers struggle to overcome. We thought it would be helpful if we delve into how color has a psychological impact in interior design. Color is such a broad subject, so we are going to tackle this as a three-month series.

GREY – This favorite color for executives across the world is one of the most popular neutrals. Grey tones tend to remain timeless as a result.
Take a look below at this color’s characteristics
•   Attracts clients with high spending habits
•   Increases creativity dramatically
•   Serves as a timeless backdrop
•   Works with a number of color combinations
•   Considered incredibly stylish
•   Flexible color that can work in a formal or casual setting

PINK– Pink is soft and romantic and is personally one of my favorite colors. Psychologically speaking, pink reduces stress and can reduce anger significantly.
Look below for tidbits about this soothing color.
•   Reduces anger
•   Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
•   Slows the endocrine system
•   Soothes tense muscles
•   Increases craving for sweets
•   Comforting
•   Those wearing pink appear to be approachable

[Paper by Hygge & West featured at Hounds Lounge]

ORANGE – I adore this happy, inviting and exciting color. Orange just happens to be one of the most popular colors lately, and we have been specifying it frequently. Look below for a few fun facts!
•   Happy
•   Provides a feeling of trustworthiness and feels friendly
•   Creates enthusiasm and excitement
•   Increases heart rate
•   Increases appetite and is therefore used in the restaurant industry frequently
•   Improves lung functioning and is specified in bedrooms for children with asthma
•   Utilized in workout rooms because of it’s energizing effect

WHITE – Fresh, crisp and youthful yet it should not be over-utilized as it can appear sterile. Take a look below for this color’s effects.
•   Innocent
•   Clean
•   Sterile
•   Airy
•   Creates a sense of space
•   Represents new beginnings
•   Quiet
•   Fresh

I hope you enjoyed part two of our color psychology series! It’s fun to learn how the mind responds to color and we can’t wait to share part three next month! Happy Spring design friends.

Shayla

Photo courtesy of Janet Warlick

Shayla Copas, owner and principal designer of Shayla Copas Interiors is an award winning Arkansas designer who has been voted by numerous publications as a favorite designer in the state. Her work has graced the pages of AT HOME IN ARKANSAS and other statewide and national publications throughout her 20 year career. Most recently, her work was featured on the cover of a Christmas interior design book, featuring several top designers across the nation including, Christopher Radko and HGTV personality Joe Ruggiero. Shayla is a member of the Interior Design Society and National Kitchen and Bath Association. Her new blog EN VOGUE with SHAYLA COPAS focuses on trends in home design and entertaining.

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Mr. Ken Fulk’s Magical World

Laura LaRue — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 13:00:05 +0000

“Magical” is an understatement—the adventure that Ken Fulk takes you on is one for the design world ages. He covers everything: extravagant homes, ranches, vacation homes, office/storefronts, jets, weddings, restaurants, parties, and his Pottery Barn collection!

It would make sense that I found this uniquely whimsical book, bound with a gold stamped cover and gilded pages, at Tanarah Luxe Floral. They had even recently hosted a grand opening party for their new location that I’m sure would have been Ken Fulk approved!

Mr. Fulk states that “life has always had a cinematic quality.” He approaches his projects as if they were movies, imagining the characters, the smells, the soundtrack. When he presents the completed job to the client, he treats it like the movie premiere, or what he calls “The Reveal.” We are lucky enough that he has given us a glimpse of the screenplay, Mr. Ken Fulk’s Magical World.

[Ken Fulk]

Bed Canopies

Next week I will be attending a workroom conference, and one of the classes I signed up for was Bed Canopies. Once the schedule was released, I jumped at the opportunity to take the course taught by Tracy Windley (of Sew Elegant in Searcy, AR). I have always been attracted to the countless ways of framing a bed. While similar to a window treatment, it screams for more attention. Ken Fulk features several of these bedroom focal points in Magical World.

[Ken Fulk]

[Designer For Life]

[mydomaine]

[Architectural Digest]

[homedit]

[la belle vie]

[Architectural Digest]

Dogs

Throughout the book it is apparent how much Ken’s dogs mean to him and Kurt, his husband of 25 years. One of the first images in the book showcases a large painting of their three Golden Retrievers. He named his Napa Valley ranch after his first Golden Retriever, Durham. At that same ranch he designed his pool specifically for his pups, which features a bench running the full length.

I would feel as though I was doing Mr. Fulk a disservice if I wrote a Magical World book review and didn’t include inspiration from the pups! Enjoy!

[Ken Fulk]

[Thibaut]

[Schumacher]

[Traditional Home]

If you buy design books just for looks or just to flip through the gorgeous photos, I ask that you go a step further with this one. Many times throughout this book, I found myself mouthing the words, “No way!” or “Wow!” I could clearly see myself walking around (and enjoying!) one of his reveals or parties.

Disclaimer: Some of the party images in Chapter 5: The Flying Circus may be NSFW. Depends on who you ask…

– Callie

Callie is the fabrication manager and designer at Designer Effects, a To-the-Trade fabric and wallcovering showroom in Little Rock. She is the curator of @fdworkrooms, an Instagram account where she showcases the work of fellow drapery and upholstery workrooms across the world. She enjoys baking and has been in love with Harrison Ford since she was 10.

Designer Effects // designereffects.net

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Local Favorites: Arkansas Realtors

Norma Edwards — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 18:29:40 +0000

Each month we share your top picks in a range of categories. The list below features our 2017 Local Favorites: Arkansas Realtors, as selected by our valued readers. Whether you’re looking to buy in Bentonville, Hot Springs, central Arkansas, or any other part of the state, browse this list to find an agent who can help.

Dennis Adkins, Adkins, McNeill, Smith & Associates, Little Rock
Donna Carlson, Adkins, McNeill, Smith & Associates, Little Rock
Linda Green, Adkins, McNeill, Smith & Associates, Little Rock
Carol Jenkins, Adkins, McNeill, Smith & Associates, Little Rock
Doug Smith, Adkins, McNeill, Smith & Associates, Little Rock
Alan Byrd, Aspire Realty Group, Little Rock
Holly Driver, Aspire Realty Group, Little Rock
Lisa and Mark Leggett, Aspire Realty Group, Little Rock
Tracy Norwood, Aspire Realty Group, Little Rock
Jeff Scherrey, Aspire Realty Group, Little Rock
Mitsy Tharp, Aspire Realty Group, Little Rock
Debbi Brawley, Brawley & Associates Real Estate, Greers Ferry
Eric Burch, Burch & Co., Jonesboro
Pat Chesser, Century 21 Chesser-Taylor, Paragould
Mitchell Hart, Century 21 Dunaway & Hart, Conway
Kathy Nickles, Century 21 Dunaway & Hart, Conway
Karen Kinsel, Century 21 Woodland Real Estate, Eureka Springs
Sherri Bennett, Century 21 Wright-Pace Real Estate, Jonesboro
Keith Pace, Century 21 Wright-Pace Real Estate, Jonesboro
Angie Smith, Century 21 Wright-Pace Real Estate, Jonesboro
Jonie Burks, The Charlotte John Co., Conway & Little Rock
Amber Gibbons, The Charlotte John Co., Conway & Little Rock
Charlotte John, The Charlotte John Co., Conway & Little Rock
Melissa John, The Charlotte John Co., Conway & Little Rock
Michelle Miller, The Charlotte John Co., Conway & Little Rock
Anna Kaye Roehrenbeck, The Charlotte John Co., Conway & Little Rock
Christy Anderson, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, Rogers
Natalie Edwards, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, Rogers
Mike Henry, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, Rogers
G.I. Ochs, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, Rogers
Lisa Fort, Coldwell Banker RPM Group, Little Rock
Leigh Spann, Coldwell Banker RPM Group, Little Rock
Carroll Caldwell, Coldwell Banker Village Communities, Jonesboro
The Tobey Team, Crye-Leike Realtors, Conway
Martha McBride, Crye-Leike Realtors, Fayetteville
Fred Dacus, ERA Doty Real Estate, Jonesboro
Anthony Walker, Homeward Realty, Conway
Kristen Kennon, iRealty Arkansas, Little Rock
Sarah Rector, iRealty Arkansas, Little Rock
Ramsy Shuffield, iRealty Arkansas, Little Rock
Tanya Brainerd, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Donna Dailey, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Owen Gazette, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Conley Golden, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Scott Johnson, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Casey Jones, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Janet Jones, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Jennifer McCarty, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Katherine Melhorn, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Susan Reynolds, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Rebecca Smith, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Patrick Sullenger, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Debbie Teague, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Shannon Treece, The Janet Jones Company, Little Rock
Brandy Harp, Jon Underhill Realty, Little Rock
Jon Underhill, Jon Underhill Realty, Little Rock
Josh Olson, Jonesboro Realty Company, Jonesboro
Lee Kissinger, Keller Williams, Bentonville
Linda Gaddy, Keller Williams, Fayetteville
Kerry Ellison, Keller Williams, Little Rock
Lolly Honea, Keller Williams, Little Rock
Kristen McCready, Keller Williams, Little Rock
Della Wallace, Keller Williams, Little Rock
Erin Hinkle, Lake Hamilton Realty, Hot Springs
Terry May, Lake Hamilton Realty, Hot Springs
Andy Meyers, Meyers Realty, Hot Springs
Cindy Meyers, Meyers Realty, Hot Springs
Margaret Bell, Moses Tucker Real Estate, Little Rock
Sarah Duke, Moses Tucker Real Estate, Little Rock
Mark Mattmill, New Horizon Realty, Eureka Springs
Kristen Boozman, Portfolio NWA, Rogers
Kelley Hanson, Portfolio NWA, Rogers
Cara Hazlewood, The Property Group, Little Rock
Robert Klein, The Property Group, Little Rock
Amber Perry, The Property Group, Little Rock
Casey Franks, Pulaski Heights Realty, Little Rock
Stacy Hamilton, Pulaski Heights Realty, Little Rock
John Selva, Pulaski Heights Realty, Little Rock
Lorna Nobles, Trademark Realty, Hot Springs
Laurie Rushing, Trademark Realty, Hot Springs
Paige Spradlin, Warnock Real Estate, Fort Smith
Paula Westbrook, Westbrook & Reeves Real Estate, LLC, Jonesboro

Be sure to vote in our other Local Favorites categories, which will be revealed in future print issues of At Home in Arkansas.

Click Here to Vote Now! >>

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Behind the Feature: The Best of Both Worlds

Laura LaRue — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 15:00:19 +0000

Our April “Before & After” issue includes an iconic Springdale home renovation, which we were thrilled to share with you in the magazine. Designer Ashley Cardiel and Taylor Wood of Woodbine Workshop produced a video that shares all the behind-the-scenes info on their feature. This home has gone through a modern transformation with guidance from Ashley Cardiel Interiors. We are happy to be able to share this in-depth video on the blog.

“A home renovation is a big undertaking in any scenario. Renovating a coveted home that previously belonged to a town’s beloved couple adds to that pressure. When Dr. Joel and Lynn Carver bought their 1940s-era house in downtown Springdale, they knew there would be talk about their purchase. After all, the red brick home, which is situated on a corner lot, belonged to Harvey and Bernice Jones, pillars in the trucking industry as well as the community. The Carvers desired to remodel the home with much needed updates, while staying true to its character and integrity, led them to call on Ashley Cardiel of Ashley Cardiel Interiors.”

You can read the full story in our April issue or online here.

Thanks, Ashley and Taylor, for sharing with us!

_
Contractor Taylor Wood, Woodbine Workshop, Fayetteville, (214) 704-7706, woodbineworkshop.com
Interior design Ashley Cardiel, Ashley Cardiel Interiors, Springdale, (479) 530-1147, ashleycardielinteriors.com

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Green Interiors

Laura LaRue — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 13:15:42 +0000

Spring. FINALLY. Last month we could almost sense, and this month it’s finally here. With everything green around me, I couldn’t help but be inspired to do a post about green interiors. As I was putting together this month’s post, it all felt a little familiar. Sure enough, when I went back to check the archives, I did a post about green interiors last April! In my mind, you can never have enough green rooms, so I’ve rounded up a whole new batch for this year. Perhaps we’ll make a tradition. Enjoy these verdant spaces and the changing season!

Design and Photo by Luke Edward Hall
Design*Sponge

Design by Sarah Bartholomew
Photo by Laurey Glenn
Southern Living

Design by Bailey McCarthy
Photo by Hector Sanchez
Southern Living

Design by Rebecca Vizard
Photo by Paul Costello
House Beautiful

Design by Pam Nolen
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Miles Redd
Photo by Thomas Loof
Architectural Digest

Design by Celerie Kemble
Photo by Patrick Cline
Lonny

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Expect the Unexpected

Laura LaRue — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 13:15:15 +0000

Reuse. Repurpose. Recycle. Reimagine. You know these words and their common use. We’re all serious about sustainability, because we should be. It’s a worthy pursuit and the subject of much discussion, but that’s just it. It’s sometimes a little too serious. I’ve always had a philosophy about elements of design, which I use in many, if not most, jobs: Use what you have, any way you can, and the result can be both fun and powerful. I call it Jhemajang. You pronounce it the way it looks; ‘hema-jang.’ As in, ‘Just jhemajang that [combination] together, and it’ll look great.’ It’s nothing more than repurposing something laying around, already bought, and maybe even still in use.

You could go to your favorite source for outdoor furniture and plunk down a lot of money for serious seating, or you can do it like this. These pieces are from my custom line. Recycled treated wood cut and sized for any space. And check out the table and pots. You can create something in any size and configuration, then paint it all in thrilling combinations. Don’t try to treat these pieces with great dignity; treat them like the fun, unusual elements they are. And they’re easy to move around, even going indoors for extra seating at parties.

Since these pieces were designed to go poolside, we incorporated planter boxes on the backs of the chairs. Once again, custom sized, so you can drop in specimens you pick up at the nursery. Looks like they’ve been leading an enjoyable life, huh?

How about carrying out that idea even further? We attached an entire planter box—contrasting color, natch—to the back of this longer piece. Because these are recycled boards, they’re light weight, so a planter box on the back is not a big deal, even full of plants. The seat can be moved with ease.

And check out how the color pops when you do nothing more than place three different bromeliads in them. Not only does this furniture need little maintenance, bromeliads are real workhorses, too, that require very little care.

Not only are these stripes pretty cool, the color combination is nice and cooling as well. And all plants look good with bright, colorful pieces surrounding them. Another truism. Check out the nice square table. See how the plant in the center seems to be peeking at you? It is. Because we created a recessed pocket in the table center, in which it sits. If you don’t use the compartment for a plant, you could always use it for an ice bucket, or even to hold bottles or cans. When more table surface is needed, just put the lid over the pocket. Multi-functionality is another advantage these pieces have.

If you’re not a fan of fan backs, you should be. Just stripe them up in contrasting colors and see how they pop. What’s so great about this recycled wood is that it can be used in many ways.

If you want to add pop to your patio—or any indoor room—these customized pieces will do the trick. Remember, landscape is not just about growing elements; it incorporates what makes you feel good, too. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous, and also remember to use what’s already available when you can. And create unexpected combinations, because that’s the Jhemajang way. We built these pieces with recycled treated wood simply because they’ll add life to any area. Create fun spaces, use unexpected color combinations, and, above all, enjoy what you have.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

[Design by Creative Tonic]

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Color Psychology (Part 1 of 3)

Laura LaRue — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 13:00:29 +0000

As we enter Spring, more of our clients are ready to redecorate. Deciding upon color is a topic that most consumers struggle to overcome. We thought it would be helpful if we delve into how color has a psychological impact in interior design. Color is such a broad subject, so we are going to tackle this as a three-month series.

{image via}

YELLOW – Is cheerful and happy…in small doses. However, the caveat to this is that it can also be overstimulating. Many an argument has occurred in a yellow room as a result. Remember to use yellow sparingly and have serious conversations in a room with a more soothing color. Yellow is a perfect color for an entryway. A few fun facts below about this bright color.
•   Provides an optimistic flair to the space.
•   Increases stimulation of the neurological system.
•   Reflects an enormous amount of light and is, therefore, straining to the eyes if used in large quantities.
•   Increases metabolism.
•   Increases energy.
•   May cause people to become angry quicker than any other color. Therefore, best used in pale shades when applied on walls.
•   May upset young children or babies when specified in a bold hue.

{image via}

BLUE – Blue is one of my absolute favorite colors and is quite popular because of its soothing and nurturing nature. Psychologically speaking, blue is one of the most profound colors in relation to the human mind. It is used in master bedroom suites to create soothing and spa-like spaces. When specified in too many of your room elements it can cause depression, so use blue wisely. Look below for interesting tidbits about this tranquil color.
•   Is a color of formality.
•   Brings down blood pressure and heart rate.
•   Dark blue wall colors can evoke sadness. However, light shades of blue are calming.
•   Light blue will make a room appear larger.
•   A light shade of blue can be utilized in a sunroom to keep the room cooler in the heat of summer.
•   Blue in a kitchen will decrease appetite and increase weight loss. Therefore, is perfect for a residential project but is not recommended for restaurant design.
•   Adored by both genders.

{image via}

GREEN – Green evokes a sense of nature and healing. It is a color that represents growth, change, and stability. Widely accepted as a “spa” color, it helps with relaxation of the mind.
•   Lowers blood pressure.
•   Represents tranquility.
•   Helps in the healing process and is used in healthcare frequently.
•   Green is restful and easy on the eye.
•   Provides stress relief and comfort.
•   Helps with fertility.
•   Green combines well with other colors.

{image via}

PURPLE – A light version of purple such as lavender, is restful and calming. However, a dark value of purple adds drama, sophistication and encourages creativity. Check out some interesting facts about this royal color.
•   Restful.
•   Encourages creativity.
•   Represents, wisdom, wealth, and royalty.
•   Represents spirituality.
•   Calms nerves and is relaxing.
•   Can be depressing if used in large quantities and if walls are painted a dark shade.
•   Works well with other colors.
•   Gives a dignified and dramatic look to the space.

I truly hope you enjoyed part one of our color psychology series! It’s fun to learn how the mind responds to color and we can’t wait to share more with you next month! Happy Spring, design friends.

Shayla

Photo courtesy of Janet Warlick

Shayla Copas, owner and principal designer of Shayla Copas Interiors is an award winning Arkansas designer who has been voted by numerous publications as a favorite designer in the state. Her work has graced the pages of AT HOME IN ARKANSAS and other statewide and national publications throughout her 20 year career. Most recently, her work was featured on the cover of a Christmas interior design book, featuring several top designers across the nation including, Christopher Radko and HGTV personality Joe Ruggiero. Shayla is a member of the Interior Design Society and National Kitchen and Bath Association. Her new blog EN VOGUE with SHAYLA COPAS focuses on trends in home design and entertaining.

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SEGRETO Vignettes

Laura LaRue — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:15:11 +0000

Leslie Sinclair left her corporate career to pursue her passion of creating decorative finishes. Her company, Segreto Finishes, located outside of Houston, TX, is comprised of a talented team of almost 30 people. I found her most recent title, SEGRETO vignettes, nestled in a vignette of its own at Providence Design; one of which would fit perfectly in this book!

SEGRETO vignettes takes you on the journey of Sinclair’s portfolio beginning with plaster and stenciling, to reclaimed and aging woods, to furniture and metallic finishes.

[Design by Leslie Sinclair]

On page 150, Sinclair talks about a client that wished to have a discontinued Ralph Lauren cork wallpaper replaced. They needed to cover just one more wall in a small bath. Sinclair’s artisans took a plain piece of cork, then paint and pattern-matched the design to perfection.

[Design by Kara Childress – Finish by Segreto]

Many of the images throughout the book bring to mind local talent here in Central Arkansas. Tracy Rivers with Angelfish Studios consistently knocks it out of the park with her decorative painting repertoire. Jenn Barnhill’s story is much like Sinclair’s in that her quickly budding talent could not keep her at a desk job any longer. She never fails to impress me with the way she transforms a piece of furniture.

[Design by M’NTeriors]

[Jenn Barnhill Designs]

One of the great things about this book is not just the beautiful photography and exquisite artistry, but the amount of information that Sinclair gives the reader. For instance, if you love the color of the cabinets on page 120, she’s listed the Sherwin-Williams base paint for you. If you want the background color of the wall mural on page 75, she’s got you covered! If she knows the vendors, she has even taken care of fabric, rug, and lighting resources.

There is one fabric family that is widely seen throughout the book: velvets. There are crushed, cut, strie, cotton, silk, and linen options. This luxurious texture will forever stand the test of time.

[Anthropologie]

[Katrina Lee Chambers]

[Brunschwig & Fils]

[Ginny MacDonald]

[Fortuny – Pinterest]

[Stroheim]

[Samuel and Sons]

In the back of SEGRETO vignettes, you will find a plethora of design tips and tricks from Sinclair herself. From picking the right designer or builder, to picking colors and sheens, there is plenty to learn! You may even find out what that perfect shade of blue-gray-green is… Enjoy!

– Callie

Designer Effects // designereffects.net

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Favorite Play Spaces

Laura LaRue — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 14:30:57 +0000

I recently came to the realization that toys are now a part of my life. Big, ugly, plastic toys that my children love and that I loathe. What started as one tasteful basket of stuffed animals turned into a living room takeover of epic Fisher Price proportions. My sophisticated-yet-eclectic, poised-yet-relaxed, adult, intentional living space had become the toddler zone. Finally, it had gone too far and last week we decided to bite the bullet and turn the guest room into a playroom. I’m SO glad we did. As of now, we’ve got the girls’ craft table, a cozy (slipcovered) sofa, an armoire for books and toys, and of course, the original tasteful basket of stuffed animals. The pieces are all coming together, but I’m still searching for ideas, which has lead to this month’s post. I’ve gathered my favorite play spaces from around the web, with the hopes that I’ll be inspired to create the perfect space for our gals!

Design by Miranda Brooks
Photo by Francois Halard
Vogue.com

Design and Feature by One Kings Lane
Photo by David Land

Design by Emily Henderson
Photo by Victoria Pearson
HGTV Magazine

Lonny Magazine

Design and Photo by Hannah Ozburn
@hbozburn on instagram

Design by Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent
Photo by Douglas Friedman
Architectural Digest

Design by Jennifer Huett
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Jenni Kayne
Photo by Kelly Stuart
The Glow

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Small Space, Big Impact

Laura LaRue — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 14:30:51 +0000

A landscape, no matter its size, is not just one contiguous area filled with growing things or concrete. It is divided into ‘rooms,’ which can contain different elements according to use, space, and growing conditions. And even if you live in a smaller space, you can still bring in some great—and personal–design to that courtyard, or corner. Creating something unexpected is the point, and it’s not hard at all.

Here, you see a typical garden wall and gate. Functional design, varied and hardy plantings, lighting and security in place. Ho hum. But see past the gate? What lies within is key. It’s a small space, so an easy design. We used Chinese elements here, installed fairly simple plantings, provided a water feature for real interest, and an imposing pagoda to anchor it all. Design theme, water, plants, architectural element, rock and stone. That was the checklist. Notice it isn’t a long list of requirements. Start out with one connecting idea, then implement it with plantings and other elements.

Because it’s a small area, we wanted to make use of sound as well as sight. Hence, the flowing water. It cascades down the rocks and collects in a pool at the base of the Japanese maple. That maple is the workhorse of the design because it gives a great show twelve months of the year. The foliage of these small landscape trees are what gives them value. You’ll find hybrids with leaves that pretty much run the color wheel between black red and pale chartreuse. Even in the depths of winter, a Japanese maple’s trunk and bare branches provide interest. It always works in corners and small spaces because, depending on the cultivar, will never outgrow its space. Use of a small tree with brilliant foliage also meant we didn’t have to rely on annual plantings for color, which further simplifies the design. Just some water-loving grasses were all we needed to finish this part of the design.
Contrast, which you’ll want to be aware of, comes in the use of natural rock slabs, river rock, and pavers. Don’t forget to incorporate texture into your design. Natural juxtaposed with manmade, straight lines versus what’s found in nature.

And the best kind of contrast comes with the interplay of light and shadow. The kind of shade cast by elements of our small garden means it looks great at 6 AM, as well as 6 PM.

A touch of whimsy is always welcome. This globe was used because the fire engine red color can be seen from afar, and is merely the outline of a circle; the plants can grow through and over it. Let your plants run free every time you can, but give them something in the way of support.

Pools call for frogs, and this one’s no exception. Stylized and amusing, he splays out on the rock sunning himself, and adds that element of personality you’ll want in your design. I write a lot about showing your personality in the landscape, but that doesn’t mean you have to create a major production and spend a lot of money. Often, just one element, like our metal lounging amphibian, will do the trick.

The stone pagoda adds gravitas, yet also a bit of fun. Plus, it telegraphs the importance of Chinese elements in our design. It anchors the space year-round and, while formal, is welcoming. Find one large piece to serve as focal point like this one, and your design comes together. You can design a small garden around something you already have, or you can look for something as you go.

It’s really fairly simple to put together a small garden in a small space. Limit your design and its elements. Think functionality, but don’t forget whimsy and the occasional piece that will delight you and your guests. Don’t be afraid to experiment. After all, you aren’t creating a five-acre park. Think of it more as an inviting little space where you make unexpected use of what you can find all around you.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

[Dwell Studio for Robert Allen]

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Design Book Club: Collected

Laura LaRue — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 14:15:47 +0000

When Joshua Plumlee of Ransom Interiors removed the cover of Collected: Living with the Things You Love, I was captivated. I knew immediately that this would be a piece that wasn’t going to be wrapped in a jacket; but more on that later.

PART I

I have distinct memories of the way my mom displayed her collection of antique mirrors in our dining room. I remember going to my Aunt Kay’s every December to try and figure out which piece was new in her Christmas Village display. My Aunt Barbara’s kitchen was full of vintage Coke memorabilia. My favorite, and most unforgettable among even my friends, was the way my grandmother exhibited my grandfather’s “trucker hats.” The logos, designs, and bright colors made it such a fun, quirky showing.

The quirkiness of the hats perfectly coincided with my grandparents’ personalities. This became the focus for how the authors, Fritz Karch and Rebecca Robertson, would proceed with the text. They divided the book into fifteen chapters describing the different types of collections and the ways in which people display (or don’t display) their treasures. They go from the Modest-ist and Exceptionalist, to the Colorist and Seasonalist, to the Pragmatist and Fantasist.

[Collected – Photo by Dana Gallagher]

[Collected – Photo by Vivian Pickles]

[Collected – Photo by Dana Gallagher]

[Collected – Photo by Jens Veerbeck]

“A collection will often start because it connects you to a great memory.”
— Rebecca Robertson

PART II

Never judge a book by its cover… unless it is marbled.

In 2013 Martyn Lawrence Bullard released an exclusive line of wallpapers and prints for Schumacher featuring different marbling techniques. The swirling of colors and lines has been popping up in different collections since then. From Rebecca Atwood to Candice Olsen with York Wallcoverings, this styling evokes an edgy glamour.

[The English Room]

[Emily Henderson]

[Lonny]

[York Wallcoverings]

[Kate Spade for Kravet]

[Kara Cox Interiors]

“You don’t have to be a person of extraordinary means to be considered a collector. You just need to have a hunger for the pursuit, a thrill of the chase, and an openness to objects around you—and to welcoming joy into your life.”

Be sure to check out Collected to find out which type of collector you are!

-Callie

Designer Effects // designereffects.net

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Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Floral Wallpaper

Laura LaRue — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 14:30:21 +0000

While winter’s chill remains through the month of February, there’s also a romantic spirit to this month. Mostly owed to Valentine’s Day (of course), but there’s also a “spring is around the corner” vibe in the air. Both the romanticism and warming mood of this month has me inspired by florals, and not just any florals — wallpaper in particular. Whether it’s traditional Gracie panels or similar timeless styles, I am forever intrigued by these blossoming designs. Luckily, inspiration abounds! Check out my favorite floral wallpaper scenes from At Home and beyond.

Design by Melissa Hanes
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design and Photo by McGrath II
Vogue.com

Design by Aerin Lauder
Photo by William Waldron
Elle Decor

Design by Mark D. Sikes
Photo by Amy Neunsinger
House Beautiful

Design by Carrie Kidd
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Krista Lewis
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Maya Nairn
Photo by Mia Baxter
Domino

Design by Miles Redd
Photo by Thomas Loof
Architectural Digest

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En Vogue with Shayla Copas: 2017 Trend Forecast

Laura LaRue — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 14:15:43 +0000

For this year’s January market, I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend Las Vegas Market as a #ViewOnVegas Instagram takeover trend spotter and had a blast spotlighting several fabulous products. I think our time in Vegas only confirmed my “take” on where the industry is headed. The products below are different from those we highlighted at market, but our time in Vegas provided us the inspiration to share our take below.

In 2014, blue and white once again sauntered back into the design trade. As we enter 2017, the combo is still marching strong, but with the addition of colorful accents. Daleno’s “Jewels of Prince II” art on canvas is a stellar example of the direction that the industry is taking. We love the combo of blue/white mixed with green and magenta. Did you notice the shade of green? You guessed it, Greenery: Pantone’s Color of the Year! Photo credit: Daleno Art.

Tape trim has been back for a couple of years, however, in 2017 it will become “bigger” than ever! And I literally mean BIG! Our showroom samples are arriving in much larger widths than in previous years. I ADORE a hefty trim, and this is one of my favorites! Scalamandre’s Leopard Velvet Tape is a luxurious cut velvet and is 4 ½ inches in width which is SMALL compared to the majority of samples we have received this month. The average has been around 6 ½ inches. We are encouraging our clients to make a statement by considering large tape trim at the bottom of a sofa skirt, on euro shams, or applied to tall, glamorous drapery. Photo credit: Scalamandre

We have fallen in LOVE with Global View’s Julia Buckingham Trinket Boxes. These acrylic boxes adorned with gold chain link gams would work perfectly in the dressing room of any fashionista! They are available in three colors and are ideal for storing your jewels. Let’s face it, acrylic has been around awhile and is not leaving anytime soon. Photo credit: Global Views

Speaking of blue and white…let me introduce you to one of Thibaut’s newest introductions from October’s High Point Market. Their Daintree wallcovering pattern is stunning and would look gorgeous in a powder room! Photo Credit: Thibaut

We are mixing metals more than ever this year, and it is not uncommon to see several metal finishes combined in a room. I adore Cyan Designs Milan pendant in silver leaf. This particular shade is perfect if you can’t seem to commit to silver or gold. Its warm silver finish mixes well with other metals. Photo credit: Cyan Designs

Backsplash tile is substantially larger and has more pattern and texture than ever! We have a design crush on the tile pictured above by Walker Zanger. Their 18 x 20 Fretwork interlocking tile in their Studio Moderne collection comes in five natural shades. Photo credit: Walker Zanger

We love Jaipur Living’s new Aston rug. It’s made of a super soft bamboo silk! The distressed beige and gray pattern is artistic and inspiring. Photo credit: Jaipur Living

To sum it up..mixing metals is en vogue, acrylic furniture is still hot, blue/white combined with bold color is trending, large tape trims are BIG, and substantial backsplash tile with texture is IN! I hope you enjoyed glancing through the highlighted products. We would love to hear your thoughts, and we look forward to sharing more trends as the year develops.

XOXO,
Shayla

Photo courtesy of Rett Peek

Shayla Copas, owner and designer at Shayla Copas Interiors, is an award-winning Arkansas designer who has been voted by numerous publications as a favorite designer in the state. Her work has graced the pages of At Home in Arkansas and other publications throughout her 20 year career. Most recently, her work was featured on the cover of a Christmas interior design book, featuring several top designers across the nation including, Christopher Radko and HGTV personality Joe Ruggiero. Shayla is a member of the Interior Design Society and National Kitchen and Bath Association. Her new blog – En Vogue with Shayla Copas – will focus on trends in home design and entertaining.

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Design Book Club: In with the Old

Laura LaRue — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 14:20:52 +0000

Today we are introducing a new blog series “Design Book Club” where Callie Bullock of Designer Effects in Little Rock will share her favorite design book each month. She’ll share her favorite images with lots of design inspiration. We are excited to have you here on the blog, Callie. Enjoy everyone!

[Style Blueprint]

One of the first design books I purchased post-design school was In With the Old by Jennifer Boles. I was instantly drawn to its dainty size and the tagline “Classic Décor from A to Z.” Having recently finished two very thorough classes on architecture and antique furniture, I was looking forward to seeing how the author was going to incorporate these legendary elements into modern design.

The book takes you on an alphabetical journey of 100 classic design essentials. It was very hard to narrow it down and pick only five to highlight today! To see the rest, swing by Bear Hill Interiors in Little Rock and grab a copy for yourself!

Chinoiserie
Pagodas, trellises, dragons, tea ceremonies, bamboo. For centuries, these Oriental motifs could be found on jars, furniture, wallpaper, woodwork in the home, dishes, etc. Thibaut has had Chinoiserie influences in multiple collections over the past few years. An added bonus is that most of their fabrics have matching wallpaper!

[Thibaut, From L-R]
Pagoda Garden/Yellow, Imperial Dragon/Charcoal & Yellow, South Sea/Green, Luzon/Green & Raspberry

[Courtney Blanton Interiors]

[Turquoise, Tulips, and Bliss]

Chintz
Our veteran designers cringe when they come in the showroom and hear that chintz is coming back. It isn’t until we show them samples of the bright, fun color schemes that they start to get on board with the idea. These glazed cottons (and sometimes linens!) usually bear large floral patterns, but can now be found with geometrics or stripes. Schumacher is one company that is leading the way in modern design for this technique. Manor Rose, featured below, was one of Dorothy Draper’s first patterns with the company in 1944.

[Schumacher, From L-R]
Peacock/Red by Miles Redd, Manor Rose/Nightfall, Bagatelle/Citron Vert, Elizabeth/Multi-Rouge by Alessandra Branca, Coromandel/Prussian Blue-Rouge also by Alessandra Branca

Faux Bois
Coined by the French, the term is understood as “false wood.” Much like Chinoiserie, this motif can be found on any design element from flooring to tile, and lighting to fabrics. Martha Stewart is huge fan of Faux Bois! She is a collector of concrete furniture of this theme from the early 1900s. The velvets featured below are by Arkansas’ own, Tobi Fairley, for Duralee Fabrics.

[Tobi Fairley for Duralee Fabrics, Clockwise from top L]
Pattern: Rivers | Colors: Fuchsia, Blush, Citron, Jade, Wedgewood, Mineral, Toffee

[designdump]

[Style At Home]

Portiere
One of my biggest takeaways from this book is a term I had never heard before: Portiere. “To compensate for the absence of doors, curtains were hung at the outer edges of the opening to help ward off cold drafts as well as to visually soften the transition between rooms.” I have the perfect doorway that is screaming for this type of application. Comfort, beauty, and privacy – what more could you want?

[Jeffrey Bilhuber]

[Benjamin Dhong Interiors]

[Samuel Clemens Home]

[Style Files]

Skirted Tables
Skirted tables serve many purposes and can be produced from just about anything in your home – A bedside table, a few pieces of MDF, a small dining table, that table of your grandmother’s that has great structure but doesn’t match anything, a pedestal sink. With endless possibilities and styles, these items are sure to graciously accept a custom-made skirt.

[House of Jade Interiors]

[Jeffrey Bilhuber]

[Furbish]

Thank you for joining me on this very new journey. I look forward to bringing you a new design book each month. Do you have a favorite? If so, leave us a note in the comment section! I will be sure to check it out!

You can find Jennifer’s blog at http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/

Callie

Designer Effects // designereffects.net

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Smarter Scents with Moji-Life

Laura LaRue — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 15:02:23 +0000

{Sponsored Post}

MojiLife brings a new innovative technology and design to the air fragrance infuser, Air Moji, and it’s a must-have for every home or office. It is cordless, bluetooth compatible, requires no heat or flames, makes no mess, and blows fresh fragrance and essential oil pods already saturated with luxury hypoallergenic European oils. It’s easy and simple to interchange fragrances and essential oils at any time. You are able to set your fragrance mode to fit your schedule and operating times for your home or office. Once the Air Moji has been programmed, you can relax while it refreshes and invigorates your home. They also offer beautiful decorative covers for the Air Moji that complement any style.

Air Moji is made safe and has a rechargeable battery that last for over 20 hours of use. Place the device anywhere within your home or office and you can select programming options through a smart phone. Once programmed, their leading-edge technology then disperses the fragrance of choice throughout your space, even while leaving, without fear of fires.

The Air Moji has three selection modes:

1) push once – on/off

2) push twice – 1 hour on / 1 hour off

3) push three times – connects to bluetooth with smart phone via MojiLife App. You have the option to schedule time on/off and length of the fragrance using a daily/weekly schedule. It’s also iPhone and Android compatible.

The fragrance pods are already saturated with 15 ML of oil within each inner wooden wick and are all hypoallergenic. The Air Moji is unique as you can use both regular fragrances and also essential oil pods.

Also, keep all the rooms in your home or office looking, smelling, and feeling amazing with their line of cleaning products.

MojiLife combines the best of nature and chemistry to create safe, effective ways to clean your home. From all-purpose cleaning to air purifying, MojiLife products use the power of natural essential oils to create non-toxic products that clean deeply and freshen naturally.

Their innovative cleaning line includes no-scrub foaming toilet bowel cleaner pods, glass cleaner, all-purpose spray cleaner, a linen refresher, air fresher, and toy cleaner. Keep your home beautiful – the natural and easy way – with MojiLife.

To learn more about Smarter Scents with Moji-Life and this innovative new product, Air Moji, visit www.mojiproducts.com/karenr or find them on Facebook here.

Moji-Life
Luxury Fragrances | Essential Oils
Contact Karen Roussel
Searcy, Arkansas
(501) 305-3378
Online: www.mojiproducts.com/karenr
Facebook: https://facebook.com/MojiLifewithKaren

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It’s Not Just About the Plants by Chris Olsen

Laura LaRue — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:30:34 +0000

Ever notice how, often, the yards and gardens you really like seem to incorporate more than blooming annuals, stately perennials or swaths of grass? That’s because they do have more than simple plantings. They have small—personal—additions that make them stand out. It’s the little things that can make your plantings fresh and interesting, and also express just a bit of your personality in the process.

Yes, everyone waters with an automatic sprinkler system or hose, so it’s nice to see that old-fashioned metal watering can still make its appearance. If you don’t own one, you can source them many places, either still-functional or timeworn. It’s not about their use. It’s about them adding a quaint quality to a border or pot grouping. The fact that a watering can left among growing plants, and out in the weather, can also be turned up to water that wilting begonia, is a plus.

See the faded antique metal daffodils poking their heads above this mixed shade bed of foliage plants? I found them in a vintage store in Dallas and, because I was flying home, had a friend bring them in his car later. When you take a vacation or business trip, always be on the lookout for such objects. Not only do they add that unexpected whimsy to your garden, they are dear to you just because there’s a story behind them or their acquisition. And they are not something picked up at a big box store, either. I don’t know what their original use or site was, but they look like they’ve been blooming in my yard for quite a while. And who needs a shrub for height when you can have these lovelies?

A phalanx of watering cans marches to its own beat, nestled among ferns that have naturalized along the gravel path. Why have one can, when you can have several? A good rule to remember: using more than one of the same item adds strength to your design.

If you have a tree in your landscape, you just might need a table beneath. Often, we set up our gardens solely for the plants, and provide paths to get close to them as a sort of afterthought. But don’t forget your guests and a vantage point for yourself, so all can sit within what you have created. A table that can withstand the elements is apt, and then you can stack it with whatever you wish. I found this table on someone’s curb, waiting for the trash pickup. A coat of paint, and I wheeled it into place, under this mature tree. Functionality is good, but improvisational design is better. (Meaning, don’t worry too much about table surface area. Just so long as there’s room for you slide in, maybe with a cup of coffee and the newspaper, it’ll be fine.) I used weathered terra cotta pots, spheres and glass bottles bound for the recycler, plus a couple of plants I already had potted up. Looks like it’s been here a long time, doesn’t it? And to get to it, you get to hear that delicious crunch of gravel underfoot.

Think texture with your design, not just plants. The bonsai ficus, from my collection, is perfect scale for the table, and I tossed in interesting rock and pebble, along with overturned lichen-encrusted terra cotta.

An what better to hang above than wire acrobats? I found this tribe of metal people at Pike’s Market in Seattle. Yes, I had them FedExed home. How many times have you seen an ordinary wire basket of fern hanging from an overhead limb? These acrobats are a nice—and unexpected—touch.

Squirrels run rampant in all our yards, but this painted concrete fellow is an import; I brought him home from a trip to San Diego. He’ll always be ready to dash up the deck railing.

While on a trip, if you encounter something unexpected that really speaks to you, I encourage you to bring it home and find a good place for it. And that good place doesn’t mean the garage or attic. What can make your garden design special is not always the plantings themselves; it’s also what you add and blend and meld into them along the way. Little things can make big impact.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grilled Berkshire Pork Chops

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En Vogue with Shayla Copas: The Grass Really is “Greener” on the Other Side!

Laura LaRue — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 14:15:13 +0000

With 2017 on the horizon, the Pantone Color Institute has selected their “color of the year” for 2017, Greenery. Described as a ”refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings. The other side of 2016 is looking happy, fresh, clean and GREEN!

What is the Pantone Color Matching Institute, you ask? Simply said, they provide manufacturers’ in industries such as printing, fashion and home décor a standardized system to keep manufacturing of products consistent by referring to a color swatch number called a “pantone” color. The Pantone Institute unveils “hot” colors each year that help determine upcoming trends. Designers pay CLOSE attention to the forecast of the Pantone Institute, but this year there is a real buzz among the design community. Greenery is a fresh zesty yellow-green that conveys rejuvenation and new beginnings and it is my absolute favorite color forecast of my design career. Although it is a bright bold green, it will serve well as a neutral for many design applications and our team is excited to start designing spaces with accents of Greenery. Below I have featured products in the color Greenery and products in white/gold. White and gold pair beautifully with this strong color and after browsing my picks we think you will get as energized as we are… {photo credit: Pantone Institute}

Bungalow 5’s Jordan Cocktail Table in the color Spring Green is whimsical yet romantic. The European design also gives a nod to Asia with its chow foot. This table comes in four colors, but we are eyeing THIS SHADE! {photo credit: Bungalow 5}

EEEEEKKKKK!!!! We are in LOVE with Schumacher’s Zanzibar Trellis wallcovering. The bright green and white combo is fresh, clean and PERFECT! {photo credit: Schumacher}

The nature inspired Frogmore Lantern by Currey and Company features gold leaf-toned entwined branches and leaves. Light from within the lantern shines through the bronze clear glass encased in a dutch frame. Classic and drop dead gorgeous! {photo credit: Currey and Company}

Our friends at Jaipur Living have outdone themselves with their Gramercy by Kate Spade Leopard Ikat rug in the color Picnic Green. I have a teen project that is just BEGGING for this chic wool and viscose hand-tufted beauty. {photo credit: Jaipur Living}

Currey and Company’s Zhin chinoiserie cabinet in snow white adorned with handsome gold fretwork hardware would pair nicely with our new Pantone friend; don’t you think? {photo credit: Currey and Company}

Worlds Away has introduced the Campbell Lounger. Its refined barrel back and fab lime green lacquer finish make it one of my favorite “EN VOGUE” picks for 2017. {photo credit: World’s Away}

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Color of the Year picks and we look forward to hearing your take on Pantone’s new celebrity color! Happy New Year!

XOXO – Shayla

Photo courtesy of Rett Peek

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The Natural State by Chris Olsen

Laura LaRue — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 14:20:05 +0000

My last posting showed you how to make shine an active presence in your Christmas decorating. Now, for something different. How about a natural tree, bedecked with simple ornaments and glittering white lights instead? A tree that, while holding its own, is in sync with its surroundings and fits into the room without fanfare. If you seek a tree that harmonizes with your existing décor, incorporates natural elements, and isn’t an exclamation point in search of the right sentence, then here’s an idea for you.

A classic Christmas tree in a classic room creates its own music. Its natural approach fits into the existing scheme, yet brings in every element we think of in seasonal decorating. The tree, instead of being a huge presence, fits into the space between two chairs, not receding into the background, but becoming part of the room. One advantage a live tree has over its manmade counterpart is that live ones have boughs that aren’t uniform and contain plenty of space between. While we may love the symmetry and fullness of manufactured trees, they don’t become a part of existing décor as well as a real one can.

A natural tree also won’t impede traffic flow. While you might think you need to buy a smaller manmade tree for a smaller space, you don’t have that much of a concern if the tree is real. And it’s a softer, welcoming presence.

Decorated with natural elements—handmade cardinals perched on branches, circles of dried orange slices suspended by slim red ribbon, punctuated by pine cones, and lit simply—the tree is almost dreamy in its appearance. An added bonus is the architectural detailing around the door behind, which almost frames the tree. A tartan tree skirt forms a contained pouf at its base. While tartan is what we think of when we think ‘Christmas plaid,’ it also fits perfectly into the traditional setting of this room.

Dried orange slices are the primary decoration of this tree. Held by thin red ribbon, which is worked between the rind and sections, they are translucent, as well as providing a good punch of color. And you can’t beat pine cones to underscore the natural aspects of its decoration. You can dry citrus slices yourself, or buy them already preserved. And they still have that great citrus scent.

Tiny birds and Christmas seem to go together, don’t they? In keeping with the simplicity of this tree, redbirds were used, and provide a whimsical touch perched on the ends of branches.

If you aren’t one of those people with boxes full of ornaments in the attic that you use every year, and fill the tree to bursting, then maybe this idea is for you: Limit your decoration types—like the three items used here—and use as many as the branches will allow. Strength in numbers, yet a limit on ornament assortment. The same tree-trimming philosophy can apply, no matter whether your tree is natural or manmade.

You can bring an all-natural approach to your tree and accompanying décor, which will ‘wow’ your guests every bit as much as something enormous and gleaming. Sometimes, we all seek a bit of quiet and serenity, and this tree provides just that. And another fun bit about using a live one is that you get to bundle up and go to the tree lot, and find that perfect, yet individual, tree for your space. Oh, and then there’s that Christmas smell that you won’t find with anything out of a box. You can’t beat that.

Live Life to the Fullest and Happy Holidays,
Chris H. Olsen

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Welcome, Katie Cox!

Norma Edwards — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 19:32:48 +0000

At Home in Arkansas is delighted to announce that beginning with the March 2017 issue, Katie Cox will serve as our editor. With a strong background in writing and design as well as a deep passion for all things home, Katie is looking forward to bringing the best of Arkansas to our readers. Please help us to welcome Katie as we start this new chapter!

Our current editor in chief, Chip Jones, will be leaving the company at the end of December to pursue a new endeavor. Best wishes to him on his new adventure!

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Create a Holiday Swag

Norma Edwards — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:47:19 +0000

Designer Mara Lamb Malcolm shows us how to create a festive door decoration in just a few simple steps.

STEP 1

Start with pine and cedar boughs. You can use scraps if you have used these pieces in other areas of your home. Depending on the size of your door, combine a selection of these pieces and bind together with floral wire.

STEP 2

Attach this grouping to your door with the appropriate hardware. Note that we ran a strip of red velvet ribbon down the door to provide contrast to the greenery.

STEP 3

Fluff the boughs by wiring in pinecones, berries, magnolia leaves, and any other fresh foliage, fruit, or other décor of your choosing.

STEP 4

To keep the swag fresh throughout the season, use a mister to spritz the greenery every other day.

To see more Christmas decor from designers Mara Lamb Malcolm and Retha Lamb, click here.

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The Howse House: The Final Reveal

Laura LaRue — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 14:20:10 +0000

After sharing the construction and design progress of the Howse House renovation on the blog this year, it’s now complete and featured in our November issue (read the full story here). It was so fun to share a behind-the-scenes look throughout this entire renovation process. The Howse team did an amazing job bringing this house back to life with lots of style! Here’s a fun look back at where it all started compared to the beautifully finished spaces that you’ll find featured in our current issue.

Exterior, Before:

Exterior, After:

Living Room, Before:

Living Room, After:

Dining Room, Before:

Dining Room, After (wall was removed that separated living & dining rooms):

Kitchen and Breakfast Room, Before:

Kitchen and Breakfast Room, After (they switched these spaces):

Master Bathroom, Before:

Master Bathroom, After:

Master Bedroom, Before:

Master Bedroom, After:

Upstairs Bonus Room, Before:

Upstairs Bonus Room, After:

Bedroom, Before:

Became an Office, After:

Back Exterior, Before:

Back Exterior, After:

You’ll find more of the finished interior in the full story online here or in our November issue. Can you believe that is the same house? The Howse Team did an amazing job with this renovation and it was a blast following along.

Want to recreate this look? Howse offers free in-house design services to all customers. Their services currently include furniture, art, and accessory placement but they are willing to help with referrals for other needs and plan to increase their offerings in the near future.

Howse | Little Rock & Bentonville | thehowse.com
Instagram: @HowseNWA
Project Hashtag: #HowseHouseOnChampions

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Recipe Round-Up

Norma Edwards — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 16:00:38 +0000

Thanksgiving is almost here, and it’s time to wrap up your holiday menu. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite dishes we think you and yours will enjoy!

Lamb Marinade and Curried Carrots

Creamed Onions

Seasonal Goat Cheese Crostini

Sweet & Savory Butternut Squash Soup

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Put a Little Shine on It by Chris Olsen

Laura LaRue — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 14:15:17 +0000

Let’s talk about pairs. You have lots of pairs in your life, but here’s an idea you might not have thought of: Put up a pair of Christmas trees this year. No, not green trees, either fresh or man-made. How about some shiny aluminum? These trees are lightweight, reflect and attract light, are easily decorated, and store with ease. And they require no maintenance, which is great, when you think about what you have to do about consistent water level and temperature around the live variety, and the amount of space a man-made green tree might require up in the attic, even if it breaks down into branches and trunk. Aluminum trees can be the answer for practical reasons, but anyone who seeks a fresh approach to Christmas décor will be thrilled at the use of, not just one, but two. They can flank each other in front of a mantel, or in a large window, or within seating areas, and two trees are just as easy to incorporate along with existing furnishings as one.

You can purchase these trees pre-lit with clear lights, and then add old-fashioned colored light strings, like I did here. Adding additional lights means even more reflection. Decorate your trees as much alike as possible. Use the same colors on both, and the same assortment of ornaments, if possible. I used vintage ornaments, because I have many. Making the trees mirror images of each other will also mean making your design statement more emphatic. There’s something about matched pairs that’s pleasing to the eye, whether it be racehorses, chairs, or an (unexpected) Christmas tree twosome.

And don’t concern yourself with erecting a mountain of wrapped packages under your trees, either. Potted poinsettias are easy to maintain, and can take up that space nicely. With the number of poinsettia colors now available, you’ll be able to find the right shade to contrast or complement your tree decorations nicely. You can paint terra cotta pots for your poinsettias, and place all on a tree skirt.

Now, it starts getting good. Once your trees are in place, create echoes of that shininess in other area of your room. You may recall these stacks of antique slide boxes I use most of the year on my mantel. I got them at an estate sale in San Diego last year. I added miniature Mexican-made trees to the box assortment. These table-top trees are also aluminum, like their large brothers, and are painted in clear, yummy colors that just happen to work with the color palette of the big pair.

When you place something right at eye level, like the small trees on the mantel, details are important. The colors of these little trees pop, and the glass bead centers of the flowers are easily seen. Using vintage lights on the mantel underscores the look of the tree pair in front of the fireplace.

And don’t forget tree toppers for both, like this aluminum number to finish the shiny effect. Same color, same feel. Use the same touch throughout your design, the same palette and elements. Keeping this sort of unity means your design is that much more important.

You can purchase the table top trees, pre-order the full-size aluminum trees, and find an array of cool and unique holiday décor at Botanica and Plantopia. Think about the glow your holiday guests will encounter, when cast by, not one, but two lovely, shiny Christmas trees.

Live life to the fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

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Seasonal Flavor

Norma Edwards — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 13:00:45 +0000

Cooler temperatures often send us into the kitchen for warm, hearty meals—and, of course, holiday treats. Thanks in part to its key ingredient, pumpkin bread reigns as one of winter’s most scrumptious delights.

PUMPKIN BREAD

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup pumpkin puree

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F.

Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Mix in eggs and vanilla.

Mix baking soda, flour, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon.

Slowly mix dry ingredients with butter and sugar.

Fold in pumpkin puree until mixed thoroughly.

Grease a 9×5 pan and pour batter into pan.

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

GLAZE

Ingredients

3/4 cup confectioners sugar

2 T milk

Combine milk and sugar then drizzle over slightly cooled pumpkin bread.

Save

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Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Vinyl Record Players

Laura LaRue — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 13:15:21 +0000

I’ve long been a fan of Anna Cottrell’s style, following her back in her Tulip Louise blogger days. So you can imagine my sheer delight when I saw that her fabulous home was featured in At Home’s most recent issue. I love how designer Pam Nolen really made Anna’s space feel personal, from hanging cocktail dresses along the walls to the giant mood board. Another personal touch that caught my eye? Her record player in the dining area. There’s something really special about vinyl records that today’s fancy mp3’s can’t quite capture. I love how Anna’s is styled, and was inspired to seek out other fabulous record player inspiration. Enjoy!

Design by Pam Nolen
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Alaina Kaczmarski
Photo by Jennifer Kathryn Photography
The Everygirl

Design by Bailey McCarthy
Photo by Chris Patey
MyDomaine

Design by Brady Tolbert
Photo by Zeke Ruelas
StylebyEmilyHenderson.com

Design by Homepolish
Photo by Zeke Ruelas
Homepolish.com

Design by Lalita Adkins
Photo by Lindsey Nochta
Apartment Therapy

Design by Lulu Powers
Photo by Nicole LaMotte
One Kings Lane

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Vinyl Record Players appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Clever, not Creepy by Chris Olsen

Laura LaRue — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 13:30:04 +0000

At the very end of summer, and at the very beginning of fall, you might just need a bit of liveliness injected into your garden and surroundings. Your plantings have been vivid all summer, but are now flagging. Your interiors may also be losing a bit of their enthusiasm. A great way to reinvigorate these areas and set the tone for the coming months is to use pumpkins, gourds, and all things orange, gold, green, yellow, warty, round, and all the shapes between. Look for unexpected places both inside and outside your home to feature this bounty you’re now seeing piled up in mounds at farmers’ markets, grocers, nurseries, and big-box stores.

Look Up. Nestle a size-appropriate pumpkin or gourd in a hanging basket, to feature with what’s already growing there. Add a low maintenance touch like this tillandsia for a bit of complementary gray foliage.

Look Down. As under-utilized space is always around and beneath a plant in a large pot. The larger the pot diameter, the more you can mix. Think about color, shape, texture with your mix.

Keep Moving. This one’s a perennial favorite of mine. Place pumpkins in a straight line going up any steps or stairs. Works indoors or out. It’s unexpected and whimsical. And a bit geometric as well.

Go With Green. Cooler weather may be just around the corner, but you still have lots of green in your garden. Pair gourds with deeper green ferns to get that last bit of use from this color.

Warts And All. I say ‘pumpkin, you think ‘orange.’ Try to go beyond this idea. I always encourage use of texture and, with the great variety of gourds and pumpkins, you will find many variations on a theme. Use odd shapes, feature the stem end, and try other colors, plus bumpy fruit when you can.

Light the Way. Got a big coachlight or outsized lantern? Tired of using candles in it? Keep the fire burning with an oblong gourd. Its shape is, of course, reminiscent of a flame, plus it fills the interior of the lantern. The bed of orange mini pumpkins the gourd rests on underscores the idea of fire as well.

Superlative Serenity. Create a shrine with pale pumpkins. The unexpected lemon chiffon color of these pumpkins fits perfectly with the gray stone, and their identical shape and size play into the serenity of a garden goddess.

Peeping Pumpkins. A line of three on a window ledge outside is not what your guests will expect. The traditional pumpkin color pops, the three stems amuse, and the effect is sublime. Nice seasonal punctuation of an area that no one but you thought about.

Take a look around at the underused spaces inside and out. Look at all the bounty of gourds and pumpkins available now. Make good use of it all, and you’ll have a happy seasonal home and garden. And there’s not a jack o’ lantern in the bunch.

Happy Autumn,

Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

The post Clever, not Creepy by Chris Olsen appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

En Vogue with Shayla Copas: Closet Candy Fit for a Prada Princess!

Laura LaRue — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 13:15:21 +0000

Shayla Copas Interiors is currently designing a glamorous closet that will most certainly be fit for a princess! Our client is a designer label queen and we thought it would be “fitting” to share with you a few pieces of art we have proposed for the project from a line we love to specify.

“Closet Candy” is just the phrase to describe this fun art on canvas featuring pumps from famous designer Christian Louboutin! Known for his signature red shiny lacquered soles, his graceful fashion forward shoes are desired around the globe. We fell “head over heels” in LOVE with this piece.

My heart skipped a beat when we laid eyes on this Garden Louis Vuitton art on canvas! Our queen of fashion is sure to desire this for her well-appointed dressing area.

Gold is still strong in fashion and interiors this fall. We are excited to add some gold sparkle in our client’s closet. This homage to Coco Chanel hanging near her vast collection of pumps will put the GLAM in glamour in her dressing room!

This fabulous Jimmy Choo art on canvas will “pair” nicely with the Chanel gold foil canvas in the area devoted to her designer pumps. SO fashion forward!

I have always been enamored with CoCo Chanel quotes and the above photo is one of my favorites! This particular piece isn’t one that we are specifying but we wanted to share it with you!

I hope that you have enjoyed tagging along on our fashion forward artwork journey and that you have been inspired by a few of our selections. In the meantime, google “Chanel quotes” and have a nice cup of hot tea as we enter the fall season.

XOXO – Shayla

Photo courtesy of Rett Peek

{Art images via Oliver Gal // Last image via Pinterest}

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September 2016: News From Around the Natural State

Norma Edwards — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 14:48:00 +0000

Art Exhibition in El Dorado
Asheville artist, Kathryn B. Phillips, who grew up in the Delta of Arkansas, will show her watercolor exhibit “Contraptions” in El Dorado. The exhibit will include 20 to 25 large-scale watercolor paintings of machinery parts reconfigured to create a contraption full of personality.

“I find real freedom in redesigning a perfectly fine tuned machine with specific function into an expression of humor that hopefully delights the viewer as much as it does me to create it. I choose for the most part agricultural equipment to launch my ideas, simply because that subject speaks of my home and my familiarity. My contraption series embodies this concept.”

The exhibit will be displayed at the South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) in El Dorado, September 3 – September 30, 2016 with a reception on September 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visit saac-arts.com for more information; kathrynbphillips.com

Vesta’s to Open Soon in Rogers
Northwest Arkansas will soon have a new resource for women’s fashion. Vesta’s, the well known and loved Little Rock fashion boutique will be the latest addition in Rogers opening in mid to late September. Vesta’s will offer Northwest Arkansas women a beautiful place to shop for any and all occasions. The women of Vesta’s, led by owner Melissa Tanner, bring a unique array of clothing, jewelry, shoes, and accessories to their clients that invite effortless, feminine, and intriguing looks. Look for grand opening events and specials coming soon. Vesta’s, 5100 Pauline Whitaker Parkway, Suite 105, Rogers, vestasboutique.com

Now Open in Sherwood
The Painted Tree Vintage Market recently opened an additional location in a newly constructed building on Hwy 67/167 and Kiehl in Sherwood. An upscale vintage market housed under one roof, The Painted Tree offers shopping for unique furniture décor, antiques, boutique clothing, and gifts all in one place. Many of their same vendors, which consist of interior designers, decorators, artisans, and craftsman, are represented at this new location as well as many new ones. They are open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -6 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. -6 p.m. The Painted Tree, 8550 Landers Road, Sherwood, (501) 205-4540, thepaintedtreevintage.com

The post September 2016: News From Around the Natural State appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

The Howse House: Project nearing completion!

Laura LaRue — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 13:00:34 +0000

Hooray, the Howse House is nearing completion! The Howse team has been hard at work getting the project wrapped up, so we can photograph and feature it in our November issue (so exciting!). Here’s the latest (and last) behind-the-scenes look at how they’ve transformed this house into a beautiful new Howse House.

And, if you’d like to take a trip down memory lane, click here to see all the Howse House posts we’ve shared over the past several months and if you want to skip right to the before images, click here.

Lighting has been installed and the flooring is now finished (it’s beautiful). They’ve installed some amazing bathroom fixtures and tile…there’s just so much to see!

Scroll thru to see the latest!

The breakfast area that is opposite the kitchen features beautiful new painted built-in cabinets, lighting and a sliding door.

They added this reclaimed wood as an accent in the bar area that is under the stairs…

The bathrooms, which were completely gutted, have new tile and shiny new plumbing fixtures that are beautiful and carryout the new color scheme quite nicely.

And, even the laundry room got a pretty new sink and cabinetry…

New basin sinks were installed…

This tub is just dreamy…

And, here are some updates on the exterior of the Howse House…the crew is getting ready for the front sidewalk.

Here’s a look at the back patio areas.

This amazing tongue and groove ceiling is such a nice touch to this outdoor patio…

One of our favorite details are these exterior shutters!

Well, there’s your last look at the Howse House! Don’t forget, we are featuring the completed Howse House in our upcoming November issue, so be on the lookout for the issue in the next month. It’s been such a treat to share all these behind-the-scenes images and progress shots of this house. Thank you, Howse team, for allowing us to take our readers along for the ride!

The Howse team did such an amazing job transforming and updating this project. Thanks for following along!

Howse | Little Rock & Bentonville | thehowse.com
Instagram: @HowseNWA
Project Hashtag: #HowseHouseOnChampions

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Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Kitchen Island Dreams

Laura LaRue — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 13:00:09 +0000

The kitchen has always been the heart of home. Food, conversation, and general togetherness are always serious draws in a space, so it’s really no surprise. In more contemporary kitchens, grand central islands serve as the hub: a desk for homework, a spot for breakfast, for a late-night snack, and everything in between. My little kitchen simply doesn’t have a space for an island, but I can certainly dream! Here are my favorites of the moment.

Design by Nate Berkus
Photo by Douglas Friedman
Architectural Digest

Design by Windsor Smith
Veranda

Design by Sean Shrum
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Commune
Photo by Corey Walter
Food and Wine

Design by Nick Olsen
Photo by Pieter Estersohn
Architectural Digest

Design by Jennifer Maxcy
Photo by Victoria Pearson
Southern Living

Design by Nate Berkus
Photo by Patrick Cline
Traditional Home

Photo by Paul Costello
Domino

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Kitchen Island Dreams appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Tower of Power by Chris Olsen

Laura LaRue — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 13:30:41 +0000

With any change of season come ideas about how to change your interiors for that season. Yes, you could alter the entire color scheme of your room or house, remove pieces of furniture and haul others in to take their place, bring in yards of fabric, and empty the contents of a barn to create fall ambiance everywhere you look. Or you can be a bit more subtle, and incorporate smaller items that still make a big impact. All I did was add a pair of shelving units above the mantel and pile a bit of seasonal color at the base. Light a fire, and you have instant seasonal display.

Begin at the beginning and set up your floor display. Remember to use the three elements of design: color, texture, shape. And don’t use pumpkins and gourds solely. I brought in the rock from the patio and a twig apple that matches the spirit of the season. And don’t be afraid to use both real and artificial components in any display. The lit pumpkins are from Botanica Gardens. They come pre-lit with an orange bulb, and are glazed, which gives them a look of elegance, but a nice touch of spookiness for Halloween.

Like so many, I have a flat-screen television above my mantel. And I didn’t even move it for this look. I just decorated around it. Note the squash and branches beneath the screen. The anchor for my look is a pair of bookshelves. They’re actually brackets from The Container Store, and a book slides into them, which means an actual book becomes the bookshelf. I chose matching vintage books with metallic titles to go with the season. The compartment boxes within the brackets and between the books are vintage slide boxes I bought at an estate sale in San Diego. (Another bit of advice: Always be looking around for personal additions to your home; you will find them just about anywhere, and often in your travels.)

The bookshelves become a tower for the season with little effort. I brought in flowers in an earthen vase, an owl, a pumpkin. Three components are all it takes to represent fall. Or spring. Or any holiday. You don’t want a heavy hand. And I left all those little compartments empty. If I hadn’t, I might still be looking for small–tiny–objects to fill them, which illustrates my design point; be sparing.

The casual seasonal mound on the floor is comprised of natural and man-made elements, real and artificial. The one unexpected piece–and you should have one–is the large aggregate quartz rock. Talk about texture!

The pair of shelves isn’t clunky or overbearing, and represent fall at its best. Wood tones, a bit of color, and texture. And, because I didn’t fill this display with lots of items, the vertical lines of the shelves aren’t hidden, and echo the lines of the mantel, which makes the ceiling appear higher. I created a mirror effect by incorporating identical pieces and matching each shelf with its mate on the other side.

The overall look matches the room, and both the floor and wall displays use the same elements. I’ve both blended my seasonal look with the existing room décor, yet created a shrine that immediately pulls the eye up. And something else to note as well. Not everyone thinks about painting the mantel silver, but use of this color makes my mantel a neutral staging area for any seasonal look.

You don’t have to fill up a room with representative pieces of the season to get your point across. Make one slight addition, use pieces you already have, bring in some natural elements, and you’ll have a chic display, and one that conveys your personality and sense of whimsy. That’s all you need for decorating changes that will tower above.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

Botanica Gardens

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At Home Extra: Your Guide to…Kitchen Style

Laura LaRue — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 13:30:55 +0000

Happy September! Our new September Kitchen and Bath issue is out (yay!) and it’s full of design ideas for you as you update your existing home, build a new home, or tackle a major remodel in these treasured spaces. Here are a few hot items to add a little style to your home that are shown in the new issue (page 67!), and we’re giving you all the details on these items, right here on the blog.

Clockwise from top left:

Wood-Mode cabinetry shown in slate. Finish options include: solid, heirloom, vintage or distressed. (link)

Wall color: Sherwin-Williams 6191: Contented (link)

Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White (link)

Countertop: Carrara Marble slab

Backsplash: Carrara Marble herringbone tile

Lighting: Circa Lighting modern globe pendant (link)

Faucet: Delta Trinsic single handle pull-down faucet with magnetic docking in chrome. (link)

Range: Thermador 48-inch professional series pro grand commercial depth dual fuel steam range (link)

So, what do you think? Are you loving this look as much as we do? Let us know!

If you see something you love, we suggest visiting your local kitchen and bath showroom with this info for their expert help on getting just what you want.

You can find more of our design round ups from this issue here or here. There are a lot more kitchen and bath items to swoon over and add to your wish list.

Pick up a copy of our new September issue on newsstands now!

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En Vogue with Shayla Copas: Fly Away in Style!

Laura LaRue — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 13:30:11 +0000

I would be remiss if I were to end summer without acknowledging a fun new trend that crossed my path throughout my many treks to markets this year. Butterflies and birds are beautiful, colorful, and whimsical. It is those components that has the décor industry fascinated with them. Take a look at a few of my picks!

Schumacher’s Birds and Butterflies wallcovering is precious yet elegant. We have noticed it trending in teen rooms, bathrooms and in other more unexpected applications. Photo credit Décorpad.com

Thomas Paul’s “Perch” fabric in the color lilac is simply graceful! Duralee has created yet another masterpiece with this amazing textile…so unexpected on a traditional sofa! Photo credit: Decorator’s Best

I could not resist including the enchanting butterfly print pictured above. Love, love, love this contemporary laundry room clad in Christian Lacroix’s Butterfly Parade which was a showstopper at the San Francisco Show House! Laundry is one of my LEAST favorite chores; however, I think I might spend more time partaking of this mundane chore if I could spend a few hours in here a few times a week! Photo credit: Decorpad.com

Our friends at Harper Howey knocked this design out of the park! We love this Thibaut butterfly wallcovering they specified along with the ornate baroque mirrors…bravo! Photo credit: At Home in Arkansas

Dana Gibson’s Bird wallcovering by Stroheim in Peregrine Multi has my thinking enamored. This print would feel like “summer” even on the gloomiest of days. Photo credit: decoratorsbest.com

Pottery Barn’s Mariposa glass butterfly shadow box art has made a splash this summer! Each piece has 53 hand-painted butterflies made from turkey feathers. A high-end designer look for a mere $159 (sale price)! Photo Credit: Potterybarn.com

We hope that you can add some color, beauty and whimsy to your interiors to keep a touch of summer in your home all year long!

{Headshot by Rett Peek}

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Teen Time, Before

Laura LaRue — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:15:53 +0000

In this month’s August Family Homes issue, we featured a reinvented playroom for college- and high school-aged kids designed for a West Little Rock family by designer Peri-Gay Walker. Today, we get to share a little look at the before, so you can see how the design began for Peri-Gay and her clients.

Here are a few “before” images of this project. This is such a good transformation of a space that really grew up for the children who use it most. I’m just gonna say, I bet those kiddos loved that built-in indoor tree house when they were little! It’s so fun, but needed to change with this changing family.

While taking all the client’s wishes into consideration, Peri-Gay went to work and created a couple rough sketches of her design she offered to share with you…

Peri-Gay put together the ultimate design plan for a brother and sister pair who use the space most. They wanted a lounging area and an extra place for friends to sleep if they stay over. So, Peri-Gay transformed the tree house into a sleeping loft with padded walls and a custom mattress. Genius! Also, the space included a new sofa with a foldout mattress. Now, the space can accommodate these older teenagers and is a great space for them to lounge and host their friends.

Here’s a look of the finished space…

What a great transformation. Thank you, Peri-Gay, for sharing this project with us and giving us a peek into the “before” images!

You can read the full story in our August issue that’s out now, or online here.

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The Howse House: Countertops, Paint & More!

Laura LaRue — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 13:15:29 +0000

We’re back with an update on The Howse House in Northwest Arkansas. The Howse team has been rocking and rolling on the renovation and here are a lot of images to fill you all in how everything is looking on Champions. They’ve installed beautiful counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms and painted the kitchen cabinets a beautiful shade of gray. Scroll thru the pictures below to see the progress of The Howse House.

First you’ll see images of the kitchen and dining area. The wall paint color is Worldly Gray and the cabinet paint color is Intellectual Gray, both from Sherwin Williams. The counter tops shown below are all marble that will have basin sinks on top of them.

And, check out this amazing stone they added to cover the entire fireplace wall. Such a unique focal point. The stone here is a custom gray blend stack stone that Jay developed (very cool!). We love it!

They added tile to the master bathroom…We are just loving the entire color scheme we are seeing so far.

And, they’ve gotten the concrete poured on the back patio and have begun painting out here.

They’ll have two great entertaining areas out here. One under the covered area and then another on the far right off the family living room.

Thanks for following along! Great job Howse Team!

Follow the team on Instagram (@HowseNWA) using the hashtag #HowseHouseOnChampions to see behind the scenes. And, don’t forget we’ll be featuring the finished project in an upcoming issue of At Home.

Howse | Little Rock & Bentonville | thehowse.com
Instagram: @HowseNWA
Project Hashtag: #HowseHouseOnChampions

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Steady as a….

Laura LaRue — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 13:15:17 +0000

Rock has a place in your landscape, every bit as important as seasonal color and foundation plantings. We tend to get caught up in the bright and shiny aspects of design, and often forget the real heavy lifting of any landscape plan can be done by rock and stone, stacked and laid. Want a great flowerbed? Don’t forget to outline it. Want a defined walkway? Use flags, instead of concrete. Want a retaining wall? Skip the bricks, and think about boulders.

Give your flowerbed a real lift by outlining it in stacked flat stone. Raised beds are better for plantings because of drainage, so there’s a start. And plants cascading, nodding and dipping ever so slightly over a rock edge just seem happier. Stacking a small amount of stone also helps keep your border more natural, and less rigid. Let your design follow the rock. You also have a choice: stack your stone naturally, or use cement/mortar to keep them aligned. If you spend the time getting the rock just right for stacking, you find it ‘holds’ well enough without the cement. You just aren’t able to stack it as high, so think about limiting the height to two or three stones.

Stone doesn’t just anchor your design, it also adds a touch of permanence and weathering, as if the design were always there. Yes, you want seasonal color and the change that comes with mature plantings, but you also want your landscape to have a sense of timelessness. Think of English pastoral vistas or the stacked stone fences of pre-Revolutionary America. And rock complements your foundation plantings, too. Look how well it works with the cypress at the back of this planting; as if both components had been in place for a long time.

If your property has ‘destinations,’ such as lakefront, garage, detached deck, or outbuildings, then you probably want a defined walk. Rather than mixing concrete, think about using flags. And if you want a wider defined path, just shop for wider flagstone, about 30-36 inches across. Lay it out, create a foundation so each stone is flat and flush with the surrounding area, and let the grass grow around the edge of each irregular piece. The fun in this work is shopping and matching—or contrasting–the flags you want to use.

Nothing can be simpler than using larger rock, such as these boulders, as a retaining wall, just like found in nature. Rock is so real and dense, why not use it instead of brick and mortar? And it contrasts with and complements sod, decks, and water in a natural unassuming way. These were chosen for size and stackability. And don’t forget rock is often cheaper than anchor blocks or building a wall.

Think about color, scale, dimension, and plants that work with your exposure. But don’t forget the use of rock, as borders, walls, and walks. It’s inexpensive as a rule, and so much more fun to work with that manmade elements. Stone and rock yards can make for interesting excursions when planning any landscape project, and using what you find there will make your design that much more unique. And who doesn’t want that?

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen
Botanica Gardens

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Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Purple Hues

Laura LaRue — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 13:15:24 +0000

If you’ve read my posts in the past, you know I love color! And I have a special place in my heart for purple. I don’t know why I’ve always been drawn to this hue, but it never ceases to inspire me. Something about it feels at once romantic, modern, and often whimsical. In fact, I’ve posted about it in the past but when I saw Molly Young’s home in the most recent issue of At Home, I was inspired to post about it again! So much purple, and so well done. Here are some of my favorite lavender lairs, periwinkle palaces, and beyond. Enjoy!

Design by Molly Young
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by May Daouk
Photo by Simon Watson
Architectural Digest

Design by Molly Young
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Nathan Turner
Photo by Victoria Pearson
House Beautiful

Design by Susan Walsh for Bear Hill Interiors
Photo by Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Billy Cotton
Photo by Brittany Ambridge
Domino

Design by Kelly Wearstler
Photo by Melanie Acevedo
Domino

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En Vogue with Shayla Copas: 1940s Tropic – The Cuban Influence

Laura LaRue — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 13:30:10 +0000

With the mending of the relationship between the US and Cuba we are noticing tropical elements to fabrics, furnishings, accessories, lighting and wallcovering. Fun pops of color, palm leaves and bamboo galore! This is going to be around for a while people…so soak it up and enjoy the vacation!

The New Les Tropi Ques Collection by Brunschwig and Fils is BOLD, Fun and has tropical elements that will make you think of enjoying a nice Pina Colada on the beach in Miami. Palm fronds and colorful fruit give a tropical vibe with class.

We are CRAZY about this chest and know you will be as well. White lacquer accented with gold bamboo hardware. This piece is seriously one of my favorites..and it comes in three colors!

We just couldn’t resist…had to show you another fun tropical fabric. This Schumacher green, yellow and white fabric is fresh, hot and tropical 1940’s.

At market we were head over heels when we met the white lacquer Selemat Brighton solid Mahogany Dining Chair inspired by the classic Chippendale Chair. It’s handcrafted Bamboo look is hot this season and will be around for years as this look starts to dominate the marketplace.

With its vivid orange color, this fun lamp by Port 68 is classic because of the gold banding, yet tropical because of its bright cheery color. Oh…by the way, it sits on a beautiful Lucite base, then topped off with a crystal ball. And not a bad price point either.

Port 68 does it again with yet another magnificent tropical piece. We love their classic “Baldwin Bowl.” Named in honor of the famous decorator Billy Baldwin and inspired by one of his favorite Scalamandre bamboo wallpaper patterns. They really hit a home run on this one.

Loving this pair of Palm Frond framed prints. Can’t wait to use them on a project in Florida soon.

As you can see, we are seeing an influx of of bright color, bamboo and tropical pattern. Can’t wait to see what the market continues to bring forward as we are just now entering the “Tropical 40’s.” We can guarantee that we will post again about its evolution.

{Headshot by Rett Peek}

The post En Vogue with Shayla Copas: 1940s Tropic – The Cuban Influence appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Greenhouse Grille’s Summer Cole Slaw

Laura LaRue — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 13:30:44 +0000

Our August Family Homes issue is out! Hope you’ve gotten your copy in the mail or picked one up as it’s packed with entertaining ideas and beautiful family homes (and much more!). This month, our entertaining story features Shindig Paperie owner Trisha Logan and a crafty back-to-school bash, which includes the popular Fayetteville’s Greenhouse Grille, to make for a casual, al fresco dinner. The Greenhouse Grille was so kind to share their tasty summer cole slaw recipe and as promised, we’re sharing it right here on the blog for you. We’re sure this will become a staple as you entertain family and friends. Scroll down for the recipe and enjoy!

Greenhouse Grille’s Summer Cole Slaw with Buttermilk Vinaigrette Dressing

Serves: 8-10 as side

For the slaw:

4 cups white or red cabbage, shredded or thinly sliced
1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup red and/or green bell pepper, cut into thin strips

For the buttermilk vinaigrette:

8 ounces buttermilk
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
1 shallot, diced
1 cloves garlic, diced
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup canola oil
1 TBSP salt
1 TBSP course black pepper

In a blender, combine all the vinaigrette ingredients except for the oil. Slowly add the oil in and emulsify. Toss the vinaigrette over the sliced vegetables and chill for two hours before serving.

Enjoy!

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Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: July Update

Laura LaRue — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 14:00:23 +0000

Hello again, and happy summer! I hope you had a wonderful Independence Day and are enjoying many al fresco moments with cherished family and friends during the warm weather months. Whether it is a riverside camping trip, a boat ride on the lake or, of course, a garden gathering, now is the time to get outside and soak up some sun!

This spring I embarked on a project that I am very excited about and wanted to share it with you. I added a brick privacy wall and gated entry to the perennial garden along the west side of my house. You can see what the results look like with respect to the front facade in the above image.

I had been wanting the wall and gate ever since I moved in, so this year I decided to go for it. At first I wasn’t sure I would do the entire wall, so I started with the gate.

I had some bricks leftover from remodeling my house and used them to construct 2 columns, approximately 7 feet tall and 16 inches wide. Of course, all projects end up being more involved than expected, and as you can see I had to reroute some drainage and irrigation lines to locate the columns where I wanted them.

The columns turned out great, though. So great, that I just couldn’t stand it and decided to move forward with the wall sooner than I expected.

So, after encountering a massive tree root and multiple additional irrigation and drainage lines, I got my wall, and it was well worth it! I finished off the project by adding a tall double gate that matches the style of the other ironwork throughout the garden.

Walls and gates can add so much to a garden. They give a space not only a sense of definition and privacy, but also a bit of intrigue-begging to be explored. I just love the feeling it has given both my front and perennial gardens. It also serves as a wonderful backdrop to the various plants nearby, including two new climbing ‘Iceberg’ roses that I look forward to training up and over the wall.

So if your garden or outdoor space could use definition, privacy or just a little extra character, consider a wall, a gate or both! They are sure-fired ways to Live Outside the Box!

Exterior designer Daniel Keeley is an Arkansas native and founder/principal of DK Design. His work has won numerous awards and accolades and is featured regularly in various publications. For more information visit dkdesignoutdoor.com.

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Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Blue & White Kitchens

Laura LaRue — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 14:19:33 +0000

Like so many families, my clan spends most of our time in the kitchen. Ours is on the small side but perfectly comfortable: a cozy breakfast nook, good counter space, and a 50s-era built in to give it plenty of character. We inherited the current red-focused color scheme (which I love) but I do dream about an airy kitchen in a traditional, stand-by color combo: blue and white. So when I spotted the Brittany Nixon-designed space in the latest issue of At Home, I was immediately inspired to round up my favorite blue and white kitchens. Enjoy!

At Home in Arkansas
Design by Brittany Nixon Creative
Photo by Rett Peek

Architectural Digest
Design by Miles Redd
Photo by Roger Davies

Sara Gilbane Interiors

House Beautiful
Design my Keri McKabe
Photo by Thomas Loof

House & Garden
Design by Axel Vervoodt

Architectural Digest
Design by Thomas Britt
Photo by Scott Frances

House Beautiful
Design by Mark D. Sikes
Photo by Amy Neunsinger

Coastal Living
Design by Amanda Lindroth
Photo by Lisa Romerein

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Blue & White Kitchens appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Repurposing Has a Purpose

Laura LaRue — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 13:00:07 +0000

You have read and heard me say many times that you should utilize every bit of your landscape, and use it in unexpected ways. Add depth, color range, personality, imaginative elements. You also know that I enthuse about adding features to your design, and not just settling for a predictable bit of annual color corralled by grass. What if, through time, you have added components—such as pots and urns full of growing plants, or water features—and you’ve grown tired of the constant upkeep? Or they’ve aged and fallen into decline? What next do you try to keep your garden rooms fresh and unexpected? Well, use what you have, but in a different way.

Adding planted containers to the landscape is the perfect way of adding depth to your design. But you don’t have to fill them each with something growing, year after year. You can empty the pot and fill it with found objects, or a collection of something you have not currently being used.

This urn is full of blue glass Christmas ornaments, which not only gives it new purpose, but also makes use of something we all seem to have: extra ornaments no longer used in our holiday design. Languishing in a box, they served no use, but piling them in an urn outdoors gives them new life. It didn’t cost a penny and doesn’t need constant care. And isn’t the blue a nice complement to what’s growing around it?

Please take a good look at this photo. Nice, isn’t it? Formal planting, surrounded by flagstone, statue added for depth and interest. Good layering of formal planting elements as well. Liriope serves as border, boxwood for anchor, hosta for foliage contrast, and finally seasonal color to lift the design. Just what you’d expect from a chic, discreet—and expensive—landscape element. And no casual observer, or guest on a stroll, would ever know that this area was once a fountain, ringed by liriope and a little bit of color. Yes, the remains of a fountain lies beneath this multi-dimensional planting.

The backstory is simple; the fountain sprang a leak. Water features are great, but can become time consuming and high maintenance, and finally, costly. Instead of removing the fountain, we jackhammered the bottom, so it now had drainage. We installed six inches of gravel, placed weed fabric on top of that, then covered with good soil. We used a rich, well-draining mix, not heavy topsoil. The design is completely formal, which matches the fountain’s original use. Adding plants, and following the lines of the fountain meant not only making perfect new use of the space, but also a clever one. How cool is that.

The typical investment of time and money means we all want to get maximum use out of every element in our landscape. Just because something no longer serves its original purpose doesn’t mean you have to tear it all out and reconfigure, or pay for new installation. Use what you have, and keep using it. But do it in unexpected ways. To repurpose bits and pieces of your landscape means making it all work over time. And time is something precious to us all.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris Olsen

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Firecracker Corn on the Cob

Laura LaRue — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 13:00:20 +0000

In our new July “Summer Living” issue, designer Peri-Gay Walker created a memorable yet low-key Independence Day Celebration. We love how this feature came together! One of her easy ideas for a festive and flavorable 4th of July includes to “eat in-season.” Today, we’re sharing her very own spicy corn on the cob recipe, which she named “Firecracker Corn on the Cob.” It’s the perfect side dish for your patriotic gathering this weekend. Read below for the recipe and the link to the full entertaining story.

Firecracker Corn on the Cob

Recipe based on 6 ears of corn, which can be grilled, boiled or microwaved

Chili Lime Butter:

•One stick of butter

•About a teaspoon of chili powder (more can be added depending on your tolerance level!)

•The juice of one lime

•A little zest for that extra “zing”

•A dash or two of cayenne pepper, (again amount depends on how hot you want it!

Mix chili lime butter ingredients together in a small bowl and microwave it for about 30 seconds. Stir it well. Then, pour it over the corn in a baking dish to let the butter “soak into” the corn, occasionally turning the corn to let all sides bathe in the butter.

Keep warm until served!

Read Peri-Gay Walker’s full entertaining story in our new July issue, out now or online here.

Enjoy and Happy 4th of July!

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En Vogue with Shayla Copas: Celebrating Our Independence in Style

Laura LaRue — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 15:53:01 +0000

Entertaining for the “star spangled holiday” can be a bit of a challenge. Red, white and blue make a striking combo, but often I have clients asking me how to “pull off” a Fourth of July event where the end result is “classic” and not too commercial. We recently had the special honor of designing a Memorial Day party honoring a client’s fallen son who sadly did not make it home from the Middle East. During the planning of her event, I absolutely fell in love with this combo and became convinced that it could be accomplished EN VOGUE! Below are a few photos from the party, as well as an inspiration photo to help you when planning your very own red, white and blue gathering.

Space planning on this project was top priority. The client had a fixed amount of outdoor hardscape and decking to accommodate seating, so we decided to make use of her built-in benches to create banquettes. Toss pillows, festive red and white linens accented with stars, and classic florals brought the look together. We also added a wired burlap red, white and blue ribbon to add dimension on the tables. Of course, no party is ever complete without candles, so various shades of mercury glass votives were specified to make a statement with sparkle.

Large mason jars served as vases for our florals… keeping the look casual. I designed two types of arrangements. One using a combo of blue hydrangeas mixed with clusters of red roses. The other incorporated large cream hydrangeas adorned with American flags. The trick to patriotic design is to keep it “classic and simple.” The blue hydrangeas were clipped from the client’s garden and the large cream hydrangeas and roses I purchased “by the stem” at Tipton and Hurst. Hint- If you are like me and enjoy designing your own florals, you might consider purchasing the stems in bulk from a local supplier for a deep savings. Tipton in the Heights has a large variety of stems for purchase in their cooler.

We were in luck! The client was fully stocked with pillows in her event colors! We placed them in seating areas to make the spaces cozy and inviting. We also used them on the banquettes to soften the seating areas along the wall.

Who doesn’t desire Sangria on a hot summer day!?? We fell in love with this Sparkling Patriot Sangria topped with apple stars, strawberries and blueberries.

Sparkling Patriot Sangria Recipe:
6 large granny Smith Apples – peeled, sliced and cut into small stars with a metal cookie cutter
1 Pound of Strawberries – sliced in half
1 Bottle of Chardonnay
1 cup of firm Raspberries
4 Cups of Apple Juice
2 cups of Blueberries
1 Bottle of Champagne

Instructions:
Mix ingredients together and refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve on ice in a clear glass with a “star” straw.
You can find the star straws on Amazon.com

{Inspiration photo credit: Food-Health.com}

Star cookies are perfect for an Independence Day celebration and quite simple to make! Shortbread cookies with a cream cheese frosting, topped off with strawberry slices and blueberries. Yum!

With a Mexican buffet on the menu, I thought that red, white and blue bandanas would serve PERFECTLY as napkins. The cutlery was wrapped neatly in each bandana and then tied with blue and red hemp twine…a fun detail definitely worth investing in.

We were told that children would be attending the party and some would most definitely take advantage of a late afternoon swim, so we placed an array of beach balls in various sizes in the pool to add color and dimension. I think the adults enjoyed them more than the kiddos!

Hope you enjoyed our EN VOUGE patriotic event tips! Happy entertaining and have a safe holiday!

{Headshot courtesy of Nancy Nolan}

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The Howse House: Flooring & Cabinetry Installation

Laura LaRue — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 17:24:46 +0000

Hello, Howse House followers! We’ve got so many new images to share with you today from the Northwest Arkansas Howse House renovation site. The new flooring has been installed and will be stained at a later date, but it’s looking so good! The Howse team was so excited to get that going. Also, kitchen cabinetry has been installed and cabinetry in other areas of the house as well, like the bathrooms and bar area, have also been installed. Our last update showed the newly painted exterior, so keep scrolling to see these pretty new floors and so much more…

Below are images of the flooring being installed, which will be stained (more on those design decisions later)…

Here are also a peek at the new doors that have been chosen to be installed throughout the Howse House…

We are so excited to share the kitchen cabinetry with you as well. The new layout of the kitchen is opposite of the original floor plan. The main kitchen area and cabinetry is now on the backside of the house, so that large window looks out to the backyard. The large window will provide so much wonderful natural light and with the sink right below–it’ll be perfect. Just look at that vent hood cabinetry and the large opening to the right for the side by side oversized fridge! Wow!

Here’s another view of the kitchen to show the wall of cabinets opposite the hood and range. Also, looks to us like a farmhouse sink will be installed and we couldn’t be happier!

So much thoughtful planning went into this new kitchen and eat-in area that’s on the other end of the space…Can’t you just imagine plates and entertaining pieces displayed beautifully in the larger open middle cabinets? Or maybe a collection of cookbooks? Stay tuned!

We’ve even got a peek at the laundry room so far…looks like a great amount of hidden storage for this space, as well as the sink and additional storage underneath.

Here’s a look at the master bathroom…

And, here’s the cabinetry installed under the stairs, which will be the bar area…cheers to new cabinetry!

I’d say a big hats off goes to the Howse team! Wondering about the stain color of the flooring? Anxious to hear what paint colors have been chosen for the kitchen cabinets? We are too! You’ll have to check back for the next update. We have loved sharing the progress of this Howse House renovation with you and can’t wait fill you in on even more of the design process and decisions that have been made for the next steps in the renovation process. We are getting so much closer to the final reveal, which will be featured in an upcoming issue! Thanks for following along!

Follow the team on Instagram (@HowseNWA) using the hashtag #HowseHouseOnChampions to see behind the scenes.

Howse | Little Rock & Bentonville | thehowse.com
Instagram: @HowseNWA
Project Hashtag: #HowseHouseOnChampions

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Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Layering

Laura LaRue — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 13:30:51 +0000

It’s June and things are heating up. Have you noticed?! Between hot weather and even hotter weather on the horizon, I am usually thinking of painting my whole house white and replacing everything with white linen this time of year. But in 2016, I’m taking a different approach. I am always changing things up at home, and I’ve recently been itching to break out my old cowhide rug and layer it up somewhere. Yes, ANOTHER layer. I love it over an oriental rug, covering an ottoman, hanging on a wall… And while it may not be totally appropriate for the current temps, a cowhide is always in. So, I am calling on some favorite photos to inspire my layered endeavor.

Design by Dale Trice
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Peter Dunham
Photo by Amy Neunsinger
House Beautiful

Design by Chris and Christy Milligan
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Ken Fulk
Photo by Douglas Friedman
Architectural Digest

Design by Peter Dunham
House Beautiful

Design by Robert Leleux
Photo by Patrick Cline
Lonny

Design by Carolina Herrera Jr.
Photo by Cahan Eric
Domino

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Layering appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Over the Top

Laura LaRue — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 13:30:00 +0000

Many of us reside in houses with great front entrances, nice walks, and a cozy view of the street, which means the landscaping we choose can be that much more impactful. But that’s just the area you see at first glance. Sometimes the best places to plant are the least expected ones. So look up. If you have a flat roof over your door, perhaps a bit of an overhang, here’s an idea for you: plant it.

You’ll want a flat roof that can handle a bit of weight. Then select your plants with an eye for scale and effect. A bit of formal design works best. Work your way back from the edge. You’ll want a vine for the front because its happy cascade is what will seize attention first. We chose ivy because of its hardiness and exuberant growth. You’ll need a series of deep pots for planting. Line them up so the plants are crowded together and appear to be one continuous row. Use pots as deep as you can without them being seen from below. The volume of the pot matters because you don’t want them to dry out too often. You’re going to have to water, which means in some cases resorting to a ladder and hose or bucket. The bigger the pot, the fewer trips with water. Make sure you have deep saucers for each pot, which will further help with moisture retention.

Behind the ivy, for definition of the area, we planted a pair of boxwoods, which provide a sort of anchor and formality. A nice pair of green foundation plantings such as these cools things off and provides a bit of depth.

Directly behind the ivy is a row of white begonias. Because the flowers along the walk are white, white was required above. Remember what I always say about uniformity and simplicity of design; it’s a big deal. Use of the same color throughout just means your design is stronger. You’re not working in a large area, so one color gives you more oomph.

And speaking of what’s below, here’s how to think about this critical area flanking the walk. Mix your planting, as in use some perennials, with numerous annuals to do most of the seasonal work. It’s the annuals that will provide you with continuous color throughout the season. We made the two planting areas wide as well, so they’re that much more of a statement. Behind that stretch of color and rhythm along the walk, you’ll see we put in some arbor vitae for height and heft. They also pull the eye up, so the planting above the door instantly registers with people walking by. We also placed the shrubs farther from the door, and not in a straight line, so as to play up the width of the overall design. This front yard is fairly shallow, so the idea of width was critical for design success.

While our plantings weren’t fussy or perfectly symmetrical, they play up the architecture of the house. And the planting on the roof above the entry meant the doorway becomes a really exciting entrance to the house. And don’t all these components seem happy? Above and below, along the walk, and in front of the house. The planting above the door frames not just your entry, but also your guests as they arrive. Use simple design principles and simple plantings to reap multiple rewards. Don’t forget to amend the soil, use time-release fertilizer, and water on a regular basis. The same rules apply for your overhead plantings, too. Keep your plants happy, and your guests will marvel at your design ingenuity. And just think: all you had to do was look up.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

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En Vogue with Shayla Copas: Wallpaper Trends

Laura LaRue — Tue, 31 May 2016 13:30:12 +0000

“WHAT!!!???? WALLCOVERING!!!!?? Are you kidding me?”
Lately, when design clients are approached about incorporating the use of wallpaper we seem to get the same response. It’s almost as if they are having PTSD flashbacks from the days of the “blue and mauve” paper with a coordinating border around the room. In the 80’s and early 90’s paper was big and it seems as if my generation has an aversion to it based on their not-so-fond memories of the blue, mauve and fruit era.
Fortunately, for the design world paper is back, but much more refined than before. I am especially fond of Thibaut paper and want to share with you a few of my favorites.

Did anyone say pink? Thibaut’s Waterford, in the color pink, displays a watercolor look that will take your breath away. Pink in any shade is HOT and this paper is a great representation of a beautiful floral watercolor paper with fun pops of coral, pink and lime. Also shown is the Demetrius Applique Woven Fabric by Thibaut applied on cane white chairs and a banquette. Cane is also trending in “design land.”

ALL shades of blue are here to stay for a long time. That is unless you are thinking of bringing back the blue and brown combo from the late 90’s and then I would tell you we need to have an intervention and GET RID OF ALL OF IT! Seriously, the blue brown combo is just as offensive as the mauve and blue However, if you are pairing any shade of blue with WHITE or CREAM then you are EN VOGUE, FRESH and up with current trends. This room just takes my breath away and I am in LOVE with the texture of the wallcovering from the Bridgehampton Collection. Again, we see Thibaut’s Demetrius fabric in another fabulous color.

Any paper or fabric with birds is definitely going to stay around for a while. The Giselle paper from the Garden collection presents beautiful florals, which are incorporated in this fun paper of blues, golds and coral. Two years back we predicted that blue and orange would take over the design industry and our suspicion was definitely right. Also, notice the cane mirror above the sofa. OH, and did I mention that BIRDS are HOT HOT HOT!???

Psychologically speaking, blue lowers the blood pressure, decreases the appetite and slows down time. So, it is no wonder that blue in ANY shade continues to stay EN VOGUE…especially in a bedroom suite. Navy blue and white are so FRESH that I predict they will be with us for several more years to come. Plus you can PAIR almost ANY COLOR with navy and white! Above, Thibaut shows their Tanglewood paper in the color navy. Notice the fun Pagoda headboard detailed in satin nickel nail heads…it is seriously to DIE FOR! Again, the Demetrius Applique Woven Fabric in yet another color, navy, is shown.

{Photo courtesy of Rett Peek | Wallpaper images courtesy of Thibaut}

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The Howse House: New Exterior Paint

Laura LaRue — Thu, 26 May 2016 13:30:29 +0000

Today, we so happy to share with you the start of a new look for the Northwest Arkansas Howse House! The Howse team has chosen Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray for the paint color and Sherwin Williams Black Fox on the trim and new shutters, and the painting has begun. It will be a nice and bright update for this home. Here’s a quick reminder of the look before painting began: dark and dated.

And a reminder of the color palette chosen by the design team:

So, here we go, scroll thru and check it out!

And, voila!

So, what do you think? Do you love the paint color as much as we do?

Still lots to do at this renovation site, and we’ll be sharing more updates along the way. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do. Such a major transformation for the Howse House! Keep checking back on the renovation progress. There’s still lots to share with you!

If you’d like to go back and see all of our posts on the Howse House renovation project, click here.

Follow the team on Instagram (@HowseNWA) using the hashtag #HowseHouseOnChampions to see behind the scenes.

Don’t forget, the final reveal will be featured in an upcoming issue of At Home in Arkansas!

Howse | Little Rock & Bentonville | thehowse.com
Instagram: @HowseNWA
Project Hashtag: #HowseHouseOnChampions

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JoBeth’s Fruit Salad

Laura LaRue — Tue, 24 May 2016 13:30:30 +0000

‘Tis the season! Spring brunches, graduation parties, or wedding and baby showers are likely to be on your agenda this month, and let’s not forget about hosting family and friends on Memorial Day weekend. If you’re hosting, try this simple—and delish—recipe from entertaining maven JoBeth McElhanon.

Honey Lavender Fruit Salad

Yield: Approximately 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon dried lavender (culinary grade, available at specialty markets)
About 6 cups fresh fruit (JoBeth used a precut fruit bowl of honeydew melon, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, and grapes; available in your grocer’s refrigerated produce section)
juice of 1 lemon
mint leaves

PREPARATION

Combine honey and water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Add lavender and simmer until reduced and thick, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool and steep for approximately 30 minutes. Strain the lavender from the honey mixture.

Wash and cut fruit, if not using a precut selection. Combine with lemon juice. Drizzle with lavender syrup to taste. Garnish with fresh mint to serve.

*JoBeth notes that any of your favorite fruits will work in this salad. She suggests a combination of nectarines, peaches, and blueberries to make a pretty mid-summer fruit salad.

>>See JoBeth’s ideas for a spring tablescape and get the recipe for The Humble Crumb Bakery’s “Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Orange Glaze” here.

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A Razorback Man Cave

Laura LaRue — Thu, 19 May 2016 13:30:14 +0000

In our May “Before & After” issue, we featured the Little Rock home designer Miguel Newberg shares with her two young daughters and her husband, Andy. As someone who works in the field and who was undertaking a full-home renovation of her own, Miguel knew how important it was to give each family member a dedicated space of his or her own. Inspired by his love of the Razorbacks, Miguel created a sports-themed man cave as a retreat for Andy to enjoy.

To create the space, they enclosed the home’s carport. Built-in cabinetry surrounds the room’s main attraction—a television for watching Hog games—while plush furnishings create a comfortable environment.

The surface of the brick bar is covered with souvenir ticket stubs from some of the most memorable events Andy has attended. “We kind of came up with the idea together, but he still couldn’t believe I went for it,” she recalls. Easily accessible to the kitchen and the main living room, the space is a now masculine getaway for the man of the house without being too far away from day-to-day activities.

See a full tour of the Newberg’s remodeled home >> online here.

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The Howse House: New Front Door and More

Laura LaRue — Thu, 12 May 2016 18:36:27 +0000

Today we are sharing an update on the Northwest Arkansas Howse House renovation. A lot has happened since our last update. A new circle drive is in the works, drywall is going up on the interior and a fabulous new front door has been installed. This renovation is getting pretty exciting! Scroll thru to see how the house is taking shape.

Here’s a look at what’s to come for the new front circle drive.

The new front door has been installed, but still needs stain and hardware, but we just had to show this off!

This next shot is a little zoomed out, so you can see part of the new large window that is above the front door.

Here’s an interior shot of that new window for you:

This foyer is amazing. With this new larger window (the old one was smaller and curved around the top) above the door and the window panes in the front doors, this entry will feel much larger and will get so much more natural light flowing in the space.

We’re also sharing a few updated pics of the drywall that’s been installed on the walls and ceilings in the main living room, kitchen and hallway areas.

And, here’s a look at the bar area that’s nestled under the stairs. A great use of space in our opinion!

They are also working on the new back patio, so there will be lots of new to show off very soon. The painters are going to power wash and paint after the stucco is finished, so stay tuned for what’s to come!

Looking good, Howse Team! Keep up the good work!

Follow along on Instagram (@HowseNWA) using the hashtag #HowseHouseOnChampions to see behind the scenes.

Don’t forget, the final reveal will be featured in an upcoming issue of At Home in Arkansas!

Howse | Little Rock & Bentonville | thehowse.com
Instagram: @HowseNWA
Project Hashtag: #HowseHouseOnChampions

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Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: May Update

Laura LaRue — Wed, 11 May 2016 13:30:30 +0000

Hello again! I hope your May is off to a wonderful start. I can’t remember a more beautiful spring in recent years…plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures…perfect for tackling some garden projects! One of my recent endeavors involved a trash-to-treasure makeover that I wanted to share with you. Some friends of mine who are avid art collectors recently received a new sculpture, packed extremely well in a very nice crate. When I saw the crate, I just couldn’t let it go to the dump, so I loaded it up and took it home. With some putty, a little paint and a few choice plants, it now has a new life as a charming box planter. Take a look:

First, I removed all the shipping stickers, filled in the major holes and gaps with putty and then gave it 2 coats of fresh white paint.

Next, I placed some gravel in the bottom of the box for drainage, filled it with quality potting soil and added a combination of flowering and succulent plants. In honor of the artist, Prince, who recently passed away, I decided to go with an all-purple theme. I used a tree-form Duranta as the centerpiece and surrounded that with purple scaevola to trail out and over the edge of the planter. To add some textural interest, I added a few silver-leafed succulents.

For a finishing touch, I attached a purple hand-blown glass heart I got some years ago at the former Fayetteville boutique store, Corazon.

And here are the results…not to shabby for something that was headed for the trash!

So, take a look around your garage or storage room (or garbage pile). You just might have a piece of trash you can convert into a perfectly lovely treasure for your own garden!

The post Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: May Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Dreamy Closets

Laura LaRue — Thu, 05 May 2016 13:30:28 +0000

I’m not exactly sure when MTV stopped airing the show “Cribs” but I am so grateful it was on for as long as it was, mainly because I got to see Mariah Carey’s closet on an episode and my life will never be the same. Even though the space was larger than my entire home, it inspired me to think outside the box when it comes to a wardrobe. Emily Brown clearly is on the same page and I loved getting a glimpse into her closet in the latest issue of At Home. Of course, what else would we expect from the owner of Tulips? Along with Emily’s space, here are my favorite closets and dressing spaces for a little inspiration. Enjoy!

At Home in Arkansas
Design by Krista Lewis
Photo by Rett Peek

House Beautiful
Design by Brooke Davenport
Photo by Victoria Pearson

Architectural Digest
Design by Francis Sultana
Photo by Luke White

MaryMcDonald.com
Design by Mary McDonald

Architectural Digest
Design by Ken Fulk
Photo by Douglas Friedman

Camille Styles
Design by Katie Kime
Photo by Molly Winters

Lonny
Design by Celerie Kemble
Photo by Patrick Cline

Domino
Design by Maya Nairn
Photo by Mia Baxter

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Dreamy Closets appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Rock On

Laura LaRue — Wed, 04 May 2016 13:30:28 +0000

Turf and grass have a serene appeal to all of us in a landscape. Even the smallest patch of yard is improved with the uniform green of sod. But it’s not necessarily the answer for all areas of your lawn. Poor sunlight and drainage are complicating issues more times than we want to admit, and often, the same lawn will have several areas almost hostile to turf. Yet many homeowners keep planting and replanting, and commercial lawn care services are always there to help. Plus, there can be environmental impact from all those chemical sprays and fertilizers. Here’s an idea, while a bit more European than American, that can save you time, energy, money, and also give your lawn a bit of a boost: use gravel in a problem space, or to create further dimension in your landscape.

I used crushed granite for this space because it’s great for large areas due to uniformity (of color and size), plus cost. The British use this rock for driveways, since it compacts over time, making for a very stable surface. For the side of the house, where a tall privacy fence looms, it’s the perfect answer to the limited growing conditions of minimal light. And, since the gravel is pale in color, it attracts light to this dark area. This neglected strip is now even more of a ‘room,’ since I planted four hornbeams—vigorous and hardy—as columns here. Just plunk down a few chairs and watch your guests gravitate to the spot. An area that was once dim and uninviting is now an important part of the landscape.

And when you find another strip for gravel, like used directly in front of this bed, you will make your flowerbeds more special. The gravel makes your plants pop, your borders more important. You’ll find you naturally gravitate to that strip, as if it were a viewing area.

Finally, gravel adds a nice break in your lawn, so you will now have created rooms to work with, not all that green sameness. I’ve written before about the joy and interest of ‘garden rooms.’ This is the same principle. You can create destinations within your landscape this way, areas that your guests will want to explore and use.

One cool thing about using gravel in your landscape is the sound. Nothing beats that delicious crunch created every time you walk across it. You won’t find a noise element in the plant kingdom, so using rock just means another sensory piece of the design.

You have options for your landscape, and you don’t have to be tied to the same idea every season. Gravel, instead of turf, is a pragmatic way to deal with the elements. But it also adds depth, dimension, texture, visual, and auditory appeal. And if you wish to remove and plant in the gravel area, it won’t take much work. Visual appeal meets ease of use and installation or removal. That’s a good idea every time.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

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The Howse House: New Windows

Laura LaRue — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 14:00:05 +0000

Out with the old and in with the new! The Howse House is taking on a new look as new windows and doors have been installed. It’s been exciting around the construction site and we can’t wait to fill you in on what the Howse team has completed since our last update. Like we mentioned in our previous update, this phase of the project is all about maximizing the view of the golf course from every room. So, the removal of the tall skinny windows was a must for the house. So, here we go…

Here’s a reminder at the back exterior of the house before the renovations began:

And once last look at the back of the house at our last update:

Now, take a look at these beautiful new floor-to-ceiling windows!

Amazing, right?!

Now that new windows and doors are in, painting can begin on the exterior, so we’ll update you on that next. We’ll also be sharing some interior finishes that have been selected for the Howse House We’ve seen a sketch of the new staircase railing and it is amazing, so don’t forget to check back in for our next update on the Howse House.

Follow along on Instagram (@HowseNWA) using the hashtag #HowseHouseOnChampions to see behind the scenes.

Don’t forget, the final reveal will be featured in an upcoming issue of At Home in Arkansas!

Howse | Little Rock & Bentonville | thehowse.com
Instagram: @HowseNWA
Project Hashtag: #HowseHouseOnChampions

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Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: April Update

Laura LaRue — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 13:30:31 +0000

Hello again and happy spring! I hope yours is off to a flourishing start. Despite too much wind lately (I am not a fan!) we have had some truly gorgeous weather here in Northwest Arkansas, and a lot is happening around the house. As you can see, the tulips certainly are putting on their annual show. As in years past, I planted a blend of three white varieties (one early-, one mid- and one late-blooming) and they have been going strong for weeks now, already.

Last weekend was particularly lovely, and I couldn’t resist running to the nursery to grab a few plants. I decided to spruce up the planters on the front porch to help usher in the season, and I thought I would share the results with you.

I decided to anchor each of the wooden planter boxes with a green and white variegated Sansevieria and to surround that with a layered planting of Plectranthus and Bacopa.

I love how the Sansevieria stands out against the dark brick and subtly contrasts with the dark stems of the Plectranthus.

In the tall urns, I also added Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa).

My front garden is a challenging mix of sun and shade, and in some ways, the combination I ended up with is an experiment, as some of the plants prefer more sun than others. In general you should combine plantings that thrive under similar light conditions, and you should take this under consideration when planting your own containers, but in this case I am willing and interested to see how each of my choices performs.

At least for now, I am pleased with the results!

Elsewhere in the garden, blossoms and foliage are popping up everywhere. The front garden dogwoods are reaching their peak while the Hellebores have been in blossom for at least four weeks.

The Oakleaf Hydrangeas and hostas are also filling in rapidly.

Along the perennial path, some Candytuft that I transplanted from another part of the garden, seems to be settling in nicely, and bulbs of Camassia are quickly approaching their bloom cycle.

The Japanese Anemone are absolutely flourishing. In fact, they are spreading so rapidly that I know I will have to thin them out eventually, but for now they are really a nice addition to the early spring garden!

Also in the perennial garden, the ‘Bloomerang’ repeat-blooming Lilac bushes I planted a few seasons ago are finally starting to show some promise. They are covered in scented blossoms and add some size and heft to the garden. They look great surrounding a simple metal obelisk, given to me by some friends (Thanks, John and Debbie!). It is a good focal point among the rather loose plantings in this area.

Finally, in the fountain garden, the ‘Snowdrift’ put on their usual show, filling the courtyard with dainty white petals.

Well, that’s about all I have to show you for now, but there are plenty of other projects and plantings underway, so be sure to come back next month and check things out again!

The post Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: April Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Shades of Green

Laura LaRue — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 13:30:19 +0000

Seeing the photos from At Home’s latest cover story, “Cottage Charmer”, made me jump for joy. Not only because the home is that of one of my best friends, but because the design is simply delightful. I love the serene color palette and the pops of pastels throughout, especially the hints of green in the living and dining areas. Fitting for Spring, am I right? So, inspired by the Ramseys and their cute casa, I’ve gathered my favorite green photos. Whether the shade is front and center, or simply an accent, these spaces use it perfectly. Happy Spring!

Design by Susan Walsh of Bear-Hill Interiors
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Michelle Nussbaumer
Photo by Grey Crawford
Luxe Interiors + Design

Design by Gert Voorjans
Photo by Karel Fonteyne
World of Interiors

Design by Daniel Ramualdez
Photo by Francois Halard
Vogue

Design by Jenny Komenda
Photo by Nicole Franzen
Little Green Notebook

Design by Jacques Grange
Photo via Pineterest

Design by Veere Grenney
Photo by Simon Upton
World of Interiors

Design by Sheila Bridges
Photo by Trever Tondro
The New York Times

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The Howse House: A New View

Laura LaRue — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:41:52 +0000

Today’s update at The Howse house is all about maximizing the view! They are installing new floor to ceiling windows and doors on the back of the home to maximize the view of the golf course. New doors are also being installed that will lead out to the back patio. They aren’t leaving the view to the downstairs either. The Howse team is adding large windows and an additional dormer window to take advantage of the golf course and city view in each upstairs room that faces east. Let’s take a look!

On the back exterior of the house, you can see that new floor to ceiling windows and doors will be installed (bye tall skinny windows), and also the added dormer on the far left.

Here’s an interior view of the new dormer added in the upstairs den for some much needed natural light for this space.

Here Jay marks the location of the new doors that will lead out to the back patio.

Here’s a peek at the new exterior patio roof they’ve added.

There have been unexpected delays that have come up along the way, as shown from the pile of dirt in the kitchen. This was a foundation issue that they ran into, which has now been fixed. Not a fun part of the process, but necessary to fix.

The next big step will be painting the exterior once all windows & doors are installed. Can’t wait to share pics of the newly painted #HowseHouseOnChampions! Then, our next update will include some interior finishes that have been selected!

Follow along on Instagram (@HowseNWA) using the hashtag #HowseHouseOnChampions to see images as they work on this one-of-a-kind project.

Stay tuned, the final reveal will be featured in an upcoming issue of At Home in Arkansas!

Howse | Little Rock & Bentonville | thehowse.com
Instagram: @HowseNWA
Project Hashtag: #HowseHouseOnChampions

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Garden Rooms

Laura LaRue — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 13:30:57 +0000

For several hundred years English landscape designers have advocated that gardeners should plan their spaces and utilize boundaries to create ‘garden rooms,’ which create senses of discovery and delight. The problem with directly translating their ideas to American landscaping is that we usually don’t have acreage with which to play with, or budgets that allow us to hire someone to prune all those hedges and boxwood menageries. But the idea of utility—think kids playing out in the yard—can also lead to good design ideas, and even a bit of playfulness in the design.

An arched entry begins the architectural aspect of this design, and immediately conveys that your design is both personal and functional. If you have a garden gate already, all you have to do is find the right plant material that will grow over the entrance and become a green archway. We used a variety of clematis here because it has a great bloom, but even better, wonderful overlapping foliage. It provides both definition of the space and serendipity because, while we trained it to arch, we let it be itself, vigorous and asymmetrical.

Here’s where the ‘room’ idea really comes into play. You have young children who need a play space. Why not use the backyard, but make it really functional? No sense in trying to nurture sod; it’ll be trampled to dust. So use pea gravel instead. Weathered, rounded gravel is much easier on children’s knees. We planted boxwood hedges for partial ‘walls’ because they’re easy to maintain and prune. The beds behind aren’t fussy and planted, even. Just the occasional perennial or shot of color and potted evergreens. Remember, your kids will be their energetic selves here, and lots of objects may end up tossed over these (short) hedges. Make it easy on yourself to retrieve them. The area at the back is sharply defined, and we chose these hornbeam trees for a bit of vertical thrill. The space is welcoming to children, well thought out, and is an example of the old adage, form follows function. The backyard is small, but we used every inch of it as a space for growing children and plantings.

Scale is critical to success of any design. We kept the front bed simple with hostas and a Japanese maple that, even at maturity, will fit the space nicely. A crape myrtle stands sentry behind and, while tall and commanding, doesn’t interfere with anything below. And, yes, you can have grass here because the play space is out back. We used every inch of space, yet it doesn’t feel cluttered or out of sync. Narrow spaces can also be welcoming places. And perhaps there’s even room for the adults to toss a Frisbee, or play a bit of touch football here. It’s called using what you have. Just a little planning and planting material that lends itself to your design, and doesn’t overpower it. It really can be easy to extend your living spaces to the outdoors, and have fun at the same time.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

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The Howse House: Demo Day

Laura LaRue — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 14:00:04 +0000

The Howse House is under construction and we’ve got lots of fun photos to share this week. Demo is in full swing and walls are coming down as the Howse Team is giving this house on Champions a whole new look and feel since our last post. The flow of the entire first floor will be much more open and updated. The kitchen has been take down to the studs, flooring has been taken up and so much more…it’s all so exciting!

Here’s a reminder of the front view of the #HowseHouseOnChampions

And, to see all the interiors again before they started construction, click here.

The first floor living room will now be much more open.

You can see the wall has been removed that separated these two spaces.

This was the kitchen! It has an amazing new look coming its way.

This is the breakfast room that is on the other end of the kitchen. These stationary vertical windows with the single door on the far right, will be removed and become a large picture window. See below?

This kitchen will have a much better view.

This is looking back towards the kitchen, where you can really get a feel for this space.

Let’s go upstairs…

Where you can see the flooring has been taken up…

This is the upstairs game room…remember the animal print carpet? Bye. Bye.

New paint and flooring to come in this upstairs bedrooms.

Wow, and on top of all of that, a new roof of course! They have been busy!

Lots of interior and exterior design plans to come in the next couple weeks as they start putting the house back together. We’ll be sharing design decisions (along with a few secrets). It just gets more exciting with each update. Stay tuned for more! Thanks, Howse, for keeping us on the edge of our seat. We can’t wait to see the next phase of this renovation.

Follow along on Instagram (@HowseNWA) using the hashtag #HowseHouseOnChampions to see images as they work on this one-of-a-kind project.

Stay tuned, the final reveal will be featured in an upcoming issue of At Home in Arkansas!

Howse | Little Rock & Bentonville | thehowse.com
Instagram: @HowseNWA
Project Hashtag: #HowseHouseOnChampions

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Easter Eggs to Dye For

Laura LaRue — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 15:45:00 +0000

Easter is almost here! We put our own spin on the Easter tradition of dyeing eggs this year and used natural ingredients right from the test kitchen. Rather than store-bought kits, you can use kitchen staples like blueberries, cranberry juice, purple cabbage, and yellow onion—to name a few—to create a colorful dye.

Here is a list of some ingredients you can use that you most likely already have in your cabinets:

Blueberries
Red onion
Purple Cabbage (makes blue eggs)
Yellow Onion
Cranberry Juice
Chili Powder
Cayenne Pepper
Tumeric
Tea

We started with a batch of hard-boiled eggs and then made different mixtures in glass bowls. You can use larger mason jars too if you’d like. You can mix any of the ingredients above with a water and vinegar mixture (1 tbsp of vinegar per each cup of water) and let them soak to start experimenting in your own kitchen. The longer they soak, the darker the eggs will become.

A general rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of a vegetable or fruit per 1 cup of water.
Or 2 tablespoons of a spice (like Tumeric) per cup of water.
And 1 bag of tea per cup of water.

Here are the general steps we followed when dyeing our eggs:

To make your dye mixture, add dye ingredient + water and vinegar (using the ratios we mention above), bring to a boil
Simmer for 15 to 30 minutes, covered.
Remove from heat and let it cool.
Strain the dye liquid, pour it back into the bowl
Add your vinegar to the dye mixture
Add your eggs
Soak for the desired amount of time to reach the color you want.
Dry your eggs carefully

We started out experimenting with yellow onion that gave the eggs a nice soft color:

After doing the steps above using cayenne pepper, tumeric, coffee, red cabbage, blueberries, we had ourselves a beautiful bowl of naturally dyed eggs!

Here are our finished eggs:

Aren’t they to dye for?

So, are you ready to start dyeing eggs? Let us know what you use from your own kitchen. Share your naturally dyed eggs on instagram with us using the hashtag #AtHomeEasterEggs.

Happy Easter, from our family to yours,

The At Home team

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The Howse House: A Look Inside Before the Renovation Begins

Laura LaRue — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 14:30:38 +0000

Well, as promised, here’s a look at the interior “before” images of The Howse House renovation. As a reminder, this 4,800 square foot house is undergoing a complete renovation and will soon be 5,000 square feet of living space with a whole new look inside and out.

Let’s start the tour:

Welcome to 49 Champions Boulevard!

Front door / foyer

Living room

Living room (you can see front door/foyer in background)

Dining room

Breakfast room

Breakfast room looking back at kitchen

Kitchen

Bathroom

Bedroom

Master bathroom

Master bedroom

Upstairs landing

Upstairs playroom

Upstairs bathroom

Upstairs bedroom

As you can see the main living areas are all closed off from one another, so opening up the main level is a must. Construction is in full swing, so the interior demo shots are up next. Walls are coming down and so much more!

Next up is exterior paint & demo. The brick will be painted Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray, which we can’t wait to see. The exterior shutters will be in Sherwin Williams Black Fox. That will be such a great contrast and will give this house the updated curb appeal it needs.

Here’s a sneak peak at a sample of the exterior paint going on:

Sherwin Williams, Amazing Gray, SW7044

Isn’t that going to look amazing!?!

Be sure to follow along as we share biweekly updates on the Howse Team’s design decisions as well as construction challenges and triumphs.

Follow along on Instagram (@HowseNWA) using the hashtag #HowseHouseOnChampions to see images as they work on this one-of-a-kind project.

Stay tuned, the final reveal will be featured in an upcoming issue of At Home in Arkansas!

Howse | Little Rock & Bentonville | thehowse.com
Instagram: @HowseNWA
Project Hashtag: #HowseHouseOnChampions

The post The Howse House: A Look Inside Before the Renovation Begins appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Happy Spring!

Laura LaRue — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 15:00:04 +0000

Happy March!

While the first day of spring may not be until the end of the month, it is certainly start to feel like the season has already changed. The sun is coming out, flowers are certainly in bloom (my allergies are further proof), and it’s time to enjoy it. And what better way to get out of the winter doldrums than sitting on the porch and taking it all in? My March vibe is a bright one: sunrooms and porches are all I want! I’ve rounded up my favorites for you to enjoy. Happy Spring!

Design by Liza Pultizer Calhoun
Photo by Francesco Lagnese
House Beautiful

Design by Gwynn Griffith
Photo by William Waldron
Elle Decor

Design by Kim Brockinton
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Furlow Gatewood
Photo by Max Kim Bee
Veranda

Design by Lisa Sherry
Photo by Patrick Cline
Lonny

Design by Sara Ruffin Costello
Photo by Nicole LaMotte
One Kings Lane

Design by Daniel Ramouldez
Photo by Francois Halard
Vogue

Design by Anne Ziegler
Photo by Brittany Ambridge
Domino

So, where are you spending your sunny days this month?

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Happy Spring! appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Pots (But No Pans)

Laura LaRue — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 16:38:55 +0000

Spring will soon arrive, and with it, your local garden center/big box retailer/discounter will feature a stack of ceramic pots of all sizes—usually massed out front—to tempt you. I have a few ideas about how to use pots in your landscape. Their addition there, and not just lined up on your deck or by the walk, can add dimension to your planting, depth to your use of color, and height, which you need when planting most annuals.

Group your pots for best show. One pot, while lending an architectural element, won’t give you the oomph you can get out of several. And, yes, size matters. Larger pots mean more soil volume, which translates to less watering in the heat. Buy big ones, but also think of graduated sizes. You don’t want everything to be the same height or plantings to all be the same size.

Think pot texture, not color. The best pots to use have metallic finishes and are textured. The texture complements the color, shape and size of your plantings. But why a metallic finish? Simply put, colored ceramic pots quickly look dated and stale. And their colors, while attractive at the garden center, turn garish, when filled with blooming plants. You want the color of your featured pots to recede, and the color of your foliage and blooms to pop.

Make silver your gold standard. Notice how this sprayed silver pot provides a sort of serene basis when filled to profusion with blooming plants. And then there’s the foliage. Green looks best with a metallic every time. (And you’ll want something green in your pot to provide contrast for the color.)

See double. Pairs of pots planted identically give you great show, especially on an expanse of concrete, or area like pool or patio. And there’s something kind of happy about a pair of large pots spilling over with color.

Large pots, with a mix of sizes, and in cool metallic tones, is the way to go. And don’t limit them to use on a hard surface. Let them be part of the garden itself. Everyone loves the vibrancy of New Guinea impatiens, and they withstand the heat. But the problem is that these hybrids, even at maturity, are rarely more than a foot high. But if you transplant them into a pot that is 30 inches high, then you get that rollicking color at your waist, not your ankles.

One last bit of advice, and this time about the plants themselves. Select for color, size, and height. Add a perennial plant for foliage and height, such as a palm, dracaena, croton. Variety is good, but try using identical plants in groups of pots, or at least plants in the same family. Unity of design is important here. And don’t forget the old plantsman creed for what to choose for your pots; thriller, spiller, filler. You want one of each. And, oh, yeah, don’t forget to use time release food and water, water, water. All your gorgeous plantings in their ample pots will thank you for it.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

Read the full story and learn about the home’s interiors here.

The post Pots (But No Pans) appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

The Howse House: Home Renovation Project

Laura LaRue — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 16:08:56 +0000

We are thrilled to introduce an exciting home renovation project to you: The Howse House. We will be sharing every step of the construction, renovation, and design process right here as the Howse team renovates a 4,800 square foot house in Northwest Arkansas. Howse has two locations in Arkansas—Little Rock and Bentonville—and features hundreds of one-of-a-kind items, in-stock merchandise (at 40% off retail!), plus, free design services. They are pros in the design industry and we can’t wait to see what they do with this project.

The Howse House, located at 49 W. Champions Boulevard in Rogers, is a 5 bedroom/3 bath home starting out at 4,800 square feet. During the renovation process an additional bathroom will be added, making it a 5 bedroom/4 bathroom house with approximately 5,000 square feet of living space upon completion.

The home was chosen due to its location, location, location! The Howse House sits on a spectacular lot on hole #1 of Pinnacle Country Club with expansive views from every room in the house!

The Howse team is making big changes on both floors. Upstairs they will add dormers and large windows to showcase the location and views not only of the golf course, but also of the emerging Rogers skyline. Downstairs they will remove all the walls in the main living area to make way for floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors that open the space up to the outdoors. From the original layout, the changes will be dramatic!

Amazing view, right?!

We’ll share lots of photos of the project as they renovate and make big design decisions. The Howse team will even let you get in on the design process by helping them to choose different design details. This will be an exciting project to see from start to finish! A big thanks to Howse, for taking us all along for the ride!

Check back next week to see the interior “before” pictures and the final paint color for the exterior, and be sure to follow along for biweekly updates on design decisions as well as construction challenges and triumphs the Howse team may face along the way.

Another way to get in on the design action is to follow them on Instagram (@HowseNWA) using the hashtag #HowseHouseOnChampions to see images as they work on this one-of-a-kind project.

Plus, the final reveal will be featured in an upcoming issue of At Home in Arkansas!

Howse | Little Rock & Bentonville | thehowse.com
Instagram: @HowseNWA
Project Hashtag: #HowseHouseOnChampions

The post The Howse House: Home Renovation Project appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

A Look Outside

Tiffany Adams — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 16:00:14 +0000

In our January / February issue, Herron Horton Architects shared a bit about the contemporary design of the Vural residence. Today, we’re excited to reveal these images of the exterior of the house.

While the home is located in a traditional-style subdivision, the family wanted a more contemporary residence to suit their personal taste. Architects Jennifer Herron and Jeff Horton suggested a brick facade in a neutral hue that would hit both classic and contemporary notes. To add texture to the exterior, they also used long, narrow bricks that are double in size compared to standard versions. “We have a dialogue and a site-specific plan with each client,” notes Jennifer. “They know what they like and they trust us to put these pieces together for them.”

Jeff also notes the interesting ‘H’ shape of the home, as seen in this image of the home’s front. A galley walkway connects the two bedroom wings of the home and overlooks the main living and dining areas. “When you have a space that goes against the grain like this, you end up with a lot of internal rooms,” he says. To remedy this and provide an abundance of natural light throughout the home, windows were thoughtfully placed throughout the design. “We look at the size and proportion and placement [of the windows] in relation to the energy needs and conservation opportunities to find the best fit for the home’s site,” notes Jennifer of the design’s effort to be also be energy conscious.

For example, the back of the home, which overlooks the pool, features more windows, which also allows the Vurals to take in the view of their backyard at any time of the day.

The post A Look Outside appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: The Gathered Look

Tiffany Adams — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 14:50:27 +0000

So just recently I bought a pair of Chinese ancestral portraits for my dining room. In my mid-century modern California bungalow. While you’d think they would clash, they actually complete the space perfectly. Something about buying items with character, collecting what you love over time, always comes out looking the best. This month, I’m feeling inspired to keep gathering my favorite finds and to style them all together — paintings, antiques, objets d’art that I can’t live with out. The result is something eclectic, completely unique, and full of things I love. What could be better than that? I’ve rounded up my favorite spaces that have taken the same approach. Enjoy!

Design by Kate and Andy Spade
The Selby

Design by Scott Paterek of Massimo
Photo by Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Rebecca de Ravenel
Photo by Claiborne Swanson Frank
Vogue.com

Design by Peter Dunham
Photo by Max Kim-Bee
Veranda

Design by Lauren Santo Domingo
Photo by Claiborne Swanson Frank
Vogue.com

Design by Carolina Irving
Photo by Patrick Cline
Lonny

Design by Miranda Lake
Photo by Jacqueline Marque
Apartment Therapy

Design by Pierre Le-Tan
Photo by Philip Sinder
The Daily Telegraph

So what do you think of a gathered look? Do you display your wares or prefer a more tailored approach?

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: The Gathered Look appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: February Update

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:50:41 +0000

Much like last month’s reminiscence of my visit to Vaux-le-Vicomte, this month I thought I would bring you more travel pictures turned garden inspiration…this time via a journey to Italy. Hopefully it will help us all make it through this last full month of winter weather, until we can get outdoors and into our gardens and outdoor living spaces this spring. And, hey, what better way to start the week of Valentine’s Day than with a romantic garden tour of Florence and the surrounding hillside towns of Tuscany?

Accompanied by a group of friends, some new and some old, I began my trip in Florence, or Firenze. The capital of Tuscany, Florence is also the birthplace of the Renaissance, the hometown of Gucci and the famed Medici family and the final resting place of Michelangelo. From personal experience, I can tell you Florence is also home to some damn good pizza, and luckily for us, gardens!

My first stop was this beautiful courtyard at the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, meticulously arranged with citrus-filled terracotta planters.

I thought it was particularly interesting (and attractive) how the planters sit on what appear to be the overturned bases of other planters and stabilized with custom iron work.

The courtyard also features gorgeous architecture and statuary.

Leaving the palace I was struck by this massive terracotta jar. I love to use unique pieces like this as powerful focal points within a particular garden space.

Check out the amazingly delicate details of the jar’s lid!

Later that same day, I came across this outdoor living space and art installation at a local restaurant. Its sleek, contemporary vibe were quite a striking contrast to the rest of the city.

I love these stylish outdoor floor lamps. Weather resistant lamps are a great way to bring indoor sophistication to an outdoor setting.

At the end of the day, my friends and I met up at the Hotel Lungarno, a celebrated hotel founded by the Ferragamo family. The street-side entrance to the hotel’s breezeway is elegantly framed with potted boxwoods, a simple classic that never goes out of style.

Situated along the River Arno, with stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio, Hotel Lungarno was the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day of playing the tourist!

For the next few days, we set out to tour several of the ancient, hillside towns of Tuscany. One of the highlights was seeing the town of Cortona and the former house of Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun.

Perched on a steep slope, the property is a beautiful example of how successful and intriguing a terraced garden can be.

It was also exciting to see this carved stone niche, where, in the movie, an old man from the village devotedly places flowers in remembrance of his lost love.

Another special experience was our visit to Le Celle, an hermitage founded in the year 1211 and inhabited by Saint Francis of Assisi.

Judging by the look of this flourishing parterre, the 7 or so friars who currently live here are obviously dedicated gardeners!

For the last day of our journey, we headed back into Florence and to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

Created by the Medici Family, Boboli Gardens is one of the earliest examples of the Italian Style of gardening, marked by long vistas, an organized layout and ornate ornamentation.

The Egyptian obelisk and Roman basin were moved here from the Medici Villa in Rome.

This geometric hedge garden was a previously unseen surprise that revealed itself only as we approached to appreciate the elaborate, rooftop fountain in the background.

These stunning gates lead to a massive water garden and island, filled with potted plants, carved balustrades and classical statuary.

Speaking of statuary, there is no shortage of it in the vast park lands that make up the rest of the gardens!

Leaving the gardens, we passed by what I thought was the most beautiful building on the property: The Orangerie. Used for housing cold-sensitive plants during the winter, it is a testament to the value that European Royals placed on gardening during the time this palace was built.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: February Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

‘Cool’ Isn’t Complicated

Tiffany Adams — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 19:46:07 +0000

If you want to make your house and landscape stand out as something individual and not like all the other houses on the block, you don’t have to do much. Homeowners often think they have to pull it all out, replace entire mature plantings, and hire an architect to create a new entrance, when really all you have to do is step back, and look at what’s already there with a fresh eye. Try a dash of unexpected color, install a few new plants, rethink concrete surfaces, and then you really have what you seek: a house and landscape that will be a better reflection of you.

Let’s talk color. The easiest thing you can do is slap a new hue on an existing surface, like a door and shutters. And think about a color that will both thrill you and be calm as well, like the eggplant shade used here. It’s the perfect complement for the pale gray stucco walls, injects a modern feel, and is serene at the same time. And, yes, unexpected. If you don’t trust yourself to pick out the right shade, consult a color wheel. You’ll see complementary colors opposite each other. Start with the front door, then add your dash of new to other, smaller architectural details. This simple—and quick—change will make all the difference in setting the tone you want as people come up your walk.

And what about that walk? Most of us have poured concrete already in place, but you can easily lift it and replace with cut flagstone or terrazzo. By removing a bit of the concrete that seems to sometimes surround us everywhere we go, we can personalize the space. You have many options besides cement. And you’ll probably want to flank your new walk with a bit of (controllable) planting. Nothing does the trick as well as dwarf mondo grass. You don’t have to trim or mow, and it doesn’t sprawl or spread. Plus, it has this great ‘cuteness’ factor, which almost brings in a sense of play. Something as small as mondo can add that ‘happy’ factor you’ll want.

Recall what I said about removing some concrete? I simply hammered up the middle strip of the drive and replaced with some more happy mondo. That idea of poured concrete for an entire driveway is relatively new, and you can breathe a bit of life—literally—by taking part of it out and planting. Mondo is easy, drought tolerant after the first year, and needs almost no upkeep. Something else to note: I used aspidistra along the house. It’s the best friend you’ll ever have in deep shade. It’s hard to find something that will live without sun, but aspidistra is it. In fact, if it gets sun, the leaves tend to yellow or burn. It spreads, but oh so slowly, and provides a nice contrast to the mondo. I sell lots of these hardy plants because they are resilient, look good, and last a long time.

Your last addition should be something unexpected, like this vintage lamp post. It originally stood sentry outside a commercial building, but such an architectural leftover can bring a bit of serendipity to any residential landscape. And you don’t need to place it front and center, either. I nestled it into the existing bed here, so it’s a bit of a surprise to anyone passing.

You can create a thrilling new look for your house and landscape by keeping it simple, changing minor details, and adding a touch of color. You won’t go broke, need a building permit, or require a series of craftsmen coming in and out, to get what you want. Just take it one detail at a time, and don’t try to alter your entire landscape. ‘Cool’ is easier than you thought.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris H. Olsen

chrisholsen.com

botanicagardens.com

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Outside the Box with D. Keeley: January Update

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 12:54:31 +0000

I hope you had a joyful holiday season, and your 2016 is off to a wonderful beginning! This time of year, after the chaos of the holidays dies down, I am always a little sad to face the reality that it is winter, and we will have to wait several months to enjoy once again the full benefits of our gardens and outdoor living spaces. To keep my spirits up and my creative juices flowing, I flip through countless home and garden books and magazines, transporting myself to another season and place.

Along these same lines, I thought I would share with you some images of my summer visit to the Château Vaux-le-Vicomte in France. A 350-year-old model of grace and beauty, Vaux is a place I had wanted to visit for a long time but had never quite made it. The château and grounds were well worth the wait, however, and I was thrilled to soak in the storied history and sumptuous sights of this grand estate.

As we approached the château, my friend and I passed through an allée of enormous plane trees, or “les platanes” in French. This is my favorite large tree, and it is very similar to the Sycamore found in the U.S.

At the end of the allée, we were rewarded with our first glimpse of Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Entering the property we first encountered a charming, garden café that has been established in some of the former stable buildings.

Across the stable courtyard, blooming roses soften a centuries-old wall.

The château, itself, lies behind an ornate metal gate. Gates are one of my favorite garden elements and an easy way to add instant importance to any outdoor space.

The front façade of the château gives visitors their first glimpse of the grandeur that awaits. The brainchild and passion of Nicolas Fouquet, Royal Finance Minister to King Louis XIV, Vaux was one of the first houses of its day to be built entirely of stone, rather than also using brick.

Looking back at the stable outbuildings, it is easy to appreciate the difference between the two styles.

Vaux was also the first home of its kind designed, from its inception, to be an indoor/outdoor experience, uniting house and garden into one cohesive tableau. In its original state, the main entry hall was completely open to the gardens, both front and back, immediately connecting the interior and exterior realms.

Looking out over the Grand Parterre gives you a sense of the massive scale of the formal gardens, 100 acres of clipped hedges, blossoming perennials and playful fountains.

Nicolas Fouquet was a great patron of the arts, something that is evident in the many statues and ornaments that grace the gardens. Man-made objects, such as statues and urns, are a wonderful way to introduce personality into a garden, and I consider them essential to any space I design.

Looking back at the rear façade of the château, you can see how the gardens complement the house and how its elevated position, in return, affords the perfect vantage point for enjoying the work of André Le Nôtre, the celebrated landscape architect who designed the grounds at Vaux.

Unfortunately it was not active during my visit, but this, the Fountain of the Crown, was Le Nôtre and Fouquet’s homage to their king.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Fountain of the Crown, it was at these steps on the evening of August 17, 1661, that the famous playwright, Molière, entertained Nicolas Fouquet and his guest of honor, the King himself, Louis XIV.

The unprecedented festivities also included lavish fireworks which lit up the sky, as well as the reflective waters of the Grand Canal and Basin.

So impressive were the celebrations that evening that they pushed the King’s previously simmering jealousy of Fouquet and his popularity to the boiling point. Fouquet was subsequently imprisoned and many of his possessions seized by the Crown. King Louis XIV also gathered up the artists and craftsmen who had created Vaux-le-Vicomte, including landscape architect, André Le Nôtre, and put them to work on his own country house. It is a project you may have heard of already: the Palace of Versailles!

Wrapping up my visit by sharing one final view of the château with the statue of Hercules that presides over the far end of the garden, it was not so hard to imagine how one might become jealous over Vaux-le-Vicomte, “the seminal expression of the Jardin à la française, the French aesthetic of formal gardens, that swept Europe in the 17th century.” ¹

Happy New Year and see you next month!

¹ This quote was taken from the official website of Vaux-le-Vicomte, which I encourage you to visit here.

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Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: White Rooms

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 14:37:59 +0000

Happy New Year! January is the most inspiring month. Fresh starts, new ideas, and new beginnings are in the air. By no means am I resolving to use a lack of color this year but it is nice to cleanse the palate every now and again! So, to start a fresh new year, I’ve been looking at fresh spaces that are crisp, clean and oh-so-chic. Here are my favorite interiors in fresh white and neutral tones.

Vogue Living
Photo by Gaelle Le Boulicaut

At Home in Arkansas
Design by Harper Howey Interiors
Photo by Nancy Nolan

Domino
Design by Jeremiah Brent
Photo by Brittany Ambridge

Veranda Magazine
Design by Susan Ferrier
Photo by Erica George Dines

Vogue Living
Design by John Warwicker
Photo by Earl Carter

Veranda
Photo by Tria Gioran

Lonny
Design by Kay O’Toole
Photo by Patrick Cline

Domino
Design and Photo by Becki Owens

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Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: It’s All in the Mix

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 15:11:18 +0000

We Americans eat a lot of mixed salads, don’t we? It’s at the top of most menus, and even McDonald’s offers a selection. Many of us—especially after the holidays—face salads for lunch as a sort of penance for overconsumption. Mixed salads are always a great way to improvise, use color and texture and contrast, and tell a kind of seasonal story. Your garden can be planned and assembled the same way you create a great-tasting salad for guests. Start with the basic ingredients, a bit of design principle, and add color and texture. It’s not hard because you use a mix of perennial and annual-blooming plant material, according to growing conditions and exposure.

Start with the ‘bones’ of your garden area. By bones I mean the elements—growing plant specimens and architectural aspects—that will anchor your plantings and remain year-round. (Think of them as the basic greens salads are built upon.) Conifers and other tall plants that are usually not deciduous are your best bet for plant materials that establish permanence in your landscape. The large pots shown here add further depth, solidity, and architectural interest, as well as fonts for seasonal color. Use shorter green plantings, such as these boxwood and rosemary for further shape and anchoring. Your annual color—the workhorses of the plant world—are plantings you change with the seasons. And they’re right up front, too, like these sun-friendly New Guinea impatiens.

Once you’ve placed your bones and anchoring plants, stay with the same idea, and put in blooming perennials, like this rudbeckia. Perennials, while not full of color for the whole season like annuals, are just what their name implies, lasting most or all of the year, and into the next. They won’t bloom for the entire time, but they grow often into nice drifts, and provide a bit of further visual interest and texture. Translation: they come with a subtle touch of chaos, which you’ll want to keep your garden from becoming too formal. Note how they seem to caress these dwarf ilex.

Repeat your elements throughout your landscape. Use the same cultivars and plants to create harmony. It also makes your planting area seem larger to use some of the same bones, perennials, and annuals. But you don’t want mirror images of each planted area. That would again inflict a kind of formality that you don’t want in your residential garden. Use some of the same plants, but plant them differently for further visual interest. Musical composers call this idea ‘variations on a theme.’

Why am I smiling in this photo? Simple: the entire planting—and it’s a large one—comes together with finishing touches of annual color and further green texture. I used the same design principle in each planted area, and much of the same material. I began with the bones, then moved forward and out, establishing simple areas for layered plantings of perennials. Then came the easy part: full-blown annual color. You don’t have to break the bank to have a great garden. Nor do you need vast acreage. All you have to do is begin with the basics of your mix, then add elements for texture and color and varied growth habits. Each part can be like the ingredients of a great salad, and you can change it up to please your palate. Good planting, like good food, is a visual pleasure.

Live Life to the Fullest!

Chris H. Olsen

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Outside the Box with D. Keeley: December Update

agill@athomearkansas.com — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 14:18:54 +0000

Happy Holidays! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying copious amounts of seasonal festivities with family and friends. I, for one, am loving the unseasonably warm temperatures that have been gracing us most days lately!

Recently, I took advantage of one of these beautiful, fall days to give yet another makeover to the neglected fountain I rediscovered last month. Hopefully you caught my last post and saw how this forgotten fountain became a fun, fall display. Just in case you missed it, here is a quick pic:

Since the original makeover was so easy, I decided to give it another go…this time filling the tiers of the fountain with freshly cut evergreen branches, large pine cones and other items. Plus, in the spirit of the holiday season, I resurrected the cherub and dolphin who didn’t make the cut last month!

As a reminder, here is what I started with:

And here is this month’s display:

I used the same potting soil from last month’s arrangement as an anchor for the evergreen branches, stabbing them into the soil to make a random, yet balanced composition. Then I added sculptural branches of Manzanita and sandblasted grapevine, along with large, sugar pine cones that are secured to some of the sturdier evergreen stems using florist’s wire. Finally, I gave Mr. Cherub and his fishy friend a little bling in the way of some shiny Christmas ornaments leftover from another project.

And voila! A unique, holiday display made from natural elements and leftover treasures. I think it makes a festive addition to the otherwise empty veggie garden.

Try making a similar display for your own garden or patio using an old fountain like this or, perhaps, a collection of garden containers. If you are lucky, you might even be able to harvest the fresh greens from your own back yard…or during a leisurely hike. Regardless, just remember to have fun with it and enjoy the season!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: December Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: the Holiday Table

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 16:16:24 +0000

December is finally here! I don’t know about all of you, but my Christmas decorations were up the second the clock struck midnight on Thanksgiving (not really — I was in a stuffing-induced coma at that point, but you get the idea). The only thing I love more than trimming the tree is setting a holiday table. I am not hosting this year so I’ve got to get my fix the only other way I know how – cruising the web for the chicest yuletide dining spaces around. So I’ve gathered some of my favorites here: everything from classically elegant formal spaces to tree-side picnics for two. Enjoy and joyeux noel!!

Design by Alessandra Branca
Photo by Lesley Unruh
One Kings Lane

Design by Katie Henry
Photo by Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Michelle Nussbaumer
Photo by Melanie Acevedo
Veranda

Design by Dorothee Schumacher
Photo by Todd Selby
The Selby

Design by Mary McDonald
Photo by Miguel Flores-Vianna
Veranda

Design by Susan Harper
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Jamie Meares and Amber Interiors
isuwannee

Design by Erin Hiemstra
Photo by Aubrie Rick
Martha Stewart Living

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: the Holiday Table appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life, with Chris H.Olsen: The Colors of Christmas

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 14:40:32 +0000

When you see the words, ‘colors of Christmas,’ you probably think of those two workhorses, red and green, with maybe a bit of white thrown into the mix. But you don’t have to rely on the same colors, or even the same pairing, year after year. Why not think of another, complementary pairing this year? Blue and silver, or blue and white, can be your holiday allies, with every bit of gusto as red and green.

And another thought for you: you can change things up further by adding elements of Christmas that those of us of a certain age will recall and understand fully. Like a shiny aluminum tree bearing branches of identical ornaments, lit by that rotating color wheel we knew so well as children.

Set your tree up, and use balls of the same circumference and color. The one design truism for aluminum trees is that their shimmer is only to be punctuated by balls of the same hue. No contrasts, no mix of shapes and sizes. Uniformity is the watchword for this design.

Step back and look around the tree. You can bring in elements overhead, like these giant snowflakes suspended above. These cutout shapes often contain small-wattage lights as well, so you can add to the glow this way.

Check out areas surrounding your tree to find places for your color scheme. I left the stacks of books on the tables, but then ornamented each stack with silver tree toppers. Underscores my main color, and also provides a bit of variation on it.

And since we’re delving into our Christmas past, why not find those plastic sets of candelabra for the windowsill? Remember the serene glow they gave? I just switched out the red flames for blue.

You can create a nice feel with only a few elements, and also capture a bit of nostalgia by adding the final bit; the rotating color wheel that casts simple colored shadows on your tree. It will infuse more color, if you feel you need a bit more. A word to the wise, however: You might be able to rescue your tree and identical balls from the attic, where they’ve lain for many years, but you might want to buy a new wheel. These rotating plastic plates wore out quickly, or developed a catch, so they may not rotate well all these years later.

And having said that, you might want to purchase all new nostalgic-feeling tree and decorations. You can buy good-looking things online that are exact replicas of what we knew so long ago. The idea here is simple. It’s both personal and pure, which means it’s the truest expression of the season. Our lives are complicated enough without having to drag in many, many things for the holiday. Sometimes, an unexpected pairing of colors, an element or two from our shared past, and a bit of minor decorating above and around it can make the best use of the holiday and your time.

Chris Olsen is a nationally known home and garden guru, designer, author, TV personality and public speaker. In his book, Chris shares his landscape and gardening knowledge along with his unique flair for home decor and design.He is also a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Learn more about Chris and all of his work at chrisholsen.com.

The post Living the Good Life, with Chris H.Olsen: The Colors of Christmas appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: November Update

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:47:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I always seem to have items lying around that I just don’t know what to do with. They aren’t my favorite things, but at the same time, I just can’t bring myself to throw them away. Such was the case with a concrete fountain my company removed from a client project years ago. The fountain was a gift from the client’s children, and while it is no longer aesthetically appropriate for his garden, it, nevertheless, holds sentimental value. So, i agreed to keep it safe and sound.

The other day (10 years later!) I stumbled across the various pieces of the dismantled water feature and had an idea: why not give this underused, yet meaningful object, a new life? I decided to transform the fountain into a multi-tiered planter and focal point, fit for the fall season, and thought I would share the metamorphosis with you. I hope it will inspire you, perhaps, to rethink some of those items around your garden that are in need of a new life!

I think the photographs probably speak for themselves, but let me tell you a little bit about the details. Here is what the fountain looked like before:

Now I’m no killer, but be forewarned…the cherub and dolphin go to fountain heaven before the end of this story!

Other than ordering these dual deaths, all I did was to fill the tiered bowls of the fountain with quality potting soil and to plant a mixture of variegated ivy, ornamental cabbages and violas. Then, I scattered miniature pumpkins throughout the foliage to give the display a seasonally appropriate ‘cornucopia’ effect.

For good measure I added a heaping pile of pumpkins around the base of the fountain, as much to hide another dolphin I wasn’t able to harpoon as for any other reason!

And that was about it! While I was at it, I placed a lovely, rust-colored mum on either side of the entrance to the cabana, and for sheer amusement’s sake, scattered pumpkins and squashes randomly throughout what was left of the vegetable garden for an instant ‘punkin patch’. Hey, sometimes girls just want to have fun, right?!

And, that’s all folks…a fun and easy project that gave me new appreciation for something that had gone unnoticed for a long time. Take a look around your own garden, and see what you can find that is in need of a makeover. I guarantee something will call out to you.

Have a wonderful autumn and a very happy Thanksgiving! See you next month.

Follow the Outside the Box house through the seasons, by reading Daniel Keeley’s other posts, HERE.

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: November Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Bookshelf Style

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:19:04 +0000

There’s nothing I love more than a well-styled bookshelf. My current home (a mid-century bungalow circa 1950) has only one original built-in and it’s sized for 10 books, tops. Not ideal, especially not for two English majors. At this point I’ve got our books stacked sky-high on the coffee table and nestled under a farm table in the living room. I like to think it’s very Bohemian of me (I’ll just keep telling myself that.) So, it’s time to get some shelving. But in the meantime, I’m having major bookcase envy. From designer Jayson Cain’s uber-sophisticated style to more kid-centric and colorful looks, here are my favorites in the shelving department.

Design by Jayson Cain
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Bailey McCarthy
Rue Magazine

Design by Lulu deKwiatkowski
Photo by Nicole LaMotte
One Kings Lane

Design by Kay O’Toole
Photo by Patrick Cline
Lonny

Design by Elaina Sullivan
Photo by Brittany Ambridge
Domino

Photo by Tim Van de Velde
Dwell Magazine

Design by JJ Martin
Photo by Todd Selby
The Selby

Design by Alex Papachristidis
Photo by Richard Powers
Elle Decor

Design by Gaia Repossi
Photo by Matthieu Sulvaing
Vogue Russia

What about you? How do you style your bookshelf?

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Bookshelf Style appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: More (and More) Uses for Your Pumpkins

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 19:40:08 +0000

What happens the day after Halloween? On the Catholic calendar, that day is All Souls’ Day, but otherwise what do you typically do? Many will turn their thoughts to Thanksgiving and Christmas preparation and decorating, which means giving those pumpkins and squash and gourds the heave. Or at least relegate them to some dark corner until a member of the household shows mercy and carries them out to the curb.

Stop! You don’t have to toss your autumnal seasonal display and immediately turn to sole thoughts of red and green. Why not incorporate those pumpkins and squashes into your Christmas decorating? Heresy, you say. Everyone knows pumpkins can’t be used with Christmas. But take a look at this:

I’ve used an old candle stand to display some vintage ornaments, then brought in two pumpkins and tossed various squashes into the mix. See how well these colors work together? Nothing scary, forced or especially self-conscious, either. And the textures are a nice combination as well.

Use striped ornaments and striped squashes together. Notice the textural contrast and the colors. The tonality works well, doesn’t it? Now, you’re starting to get the picture.

Terra cotta always works well with pumpkins; the smoothness of their surfaces correspond and the colors always blend. Since this part is tried and tested, then add terra cotta to the pumpkin and red ornament mix, for an even more nuanced look. It now makes sense to combine and blend those two major displays.

Now for the real pièce de résistance. If you have three of those ‘major’ pumpkins left—the ones you used at the front of your display this year–three that match somewhat in size and shape, yet are contrasting, then create a snowman out of them. You can stack them for the body, like the three large snowballs you create in your front yard, then create the face and a few accessories. I used red ornaments for the eyes, a conifer seedpod for the nose, a twig out of the yard for his mouth. The buttons? Acorns I found on a walk. I then finished his look by bringing in squash and ornaments and weathered pieces to surround. This effect is so natural, so right—combining fall and holiday—that it makes you wonder why all the fuss. Why do you have to segregate these two decorating opportunities?

Add boughs like always to create your tablescape. Except now, use pumpkins in addition to typical nests of ornaments. They all nestle in nicely.

You created a bountiful scene at your steps with pumpkins and seasonal bits of interest a month ago, and it was especially inviting. You don’t have to remove it all and start again. Bring in the holiday greenery and drape around and among your pumpkins. You can add more holiday color, if you like. ‘Holiday’, as in red and green and silver. But just adding greenery can work well for a Christmas display. And that pleasing round shape of the pumpkins you sourced some time ago echoes the shape of the wreaths at the door.

Isn’t this combination a natural? Since fall and winter and their three major holidays follow each other in a straight line, why do you have to keep each decorating event separate? Why not combine, and let them flow into each other? Seasonal color can cost quite a bit. Use what you already have, bring in distinct elements associated with the holiday, and you can save money. But even better, you’ll get a bit of a thrill by knowing that you’ve done what many people say can’t be done, and used your leftover pumpkins for Christmas. How’s that for sustainability?

The post Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: More (and More) Uses for Your Pumpkins appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: Paintings vs. Drawings

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 13:10:49 +0000

So to start off this month’s post, let’s briefly look at the subtle differences between two different categories of art. This will enable two things: a) for us to be on the same “page” when it comes to discussing artworks on paper (Please, PLEASE forgive the awful puns in this post!) and (b) for you to impress all your friends with your insightful knowledge of the art world.

Ok, so drawings vs. paintings. What’s the difference?? Scholars may differ slightly in their varying definitions, but I will do my best to offer us simple, concise definitions…

Drawing: any work using “dry” media (eg, charcoal, pencil, chalk or pastel) – the one exception here being the “wet” media of pen/brush and ink – usually executed on paper, although some artists continually push this limit to include drawings on canvas.

Painting: any work executed using “wet” media, including mixed media wherein any combination of oil paint, acrylic paint, charcoal, encaustic, etc. A painting can be done on paper, canvas, board, or any surface capable of sustaining the pigments safely over time.

The distinction here is that a “drawing” can quickly morph into becoming a “painting” by simply including a liquid to suspend the pigment on the surface.

Envision this as an example………. picture an artist sketching with charcoal on paper. Then suddenly he reaches for a paint brush, dips it into water and begins to “paint” by smudging the charcoal around the paper with the wet brush, thus moving from drawing into painting.

Again, the scholars out there may be screaming inside right now, and that’s ok. But as an active artist, I’ll tell you that this is often the line of distinction for me personally. This is how I engage my own art process. And it is with this viewpoint that I regard the work of others – whether I’m scouting pieces for clients or simply admiring them in a gallery.

It’s funny – many people consider European, Old-World oil paintings (often, specifically oil and not acrylic!) to be the quintessential piece of “art”. That’s fine. They can think that way.

It’s also funny that many contemporary “painters” out there today are blurring the lines (again, with the shameless puns. Whew!!!) between painting and drawing. Take for instance the artist Scott Ingram. He would probably be considered a painter, first and foremost. But recently he has used nail polish, an atypical medium, and the pull of gravity to make his mark. Check out his process….

By nearly omitting himself and allowing gravity to fatefully pull the vibrant nail polish pigments across and down the paper, Ingram has created something altogether different – part drawing, part painting? You tell me. But look at how captivating his work can be…

Notice how designer Suzanne Kasler infuses this highly-traditional room setting with new life by selecting her color palette based on a Scott Ingram piece on paper. It’s truly delightful!

Another artist who blurred the lines of drawing and painting is the late Cy Twombly, whose pieces are at once childlike and intimate, cryptic and profound.

Such a wonderful composition, artwork with furnishings. Great mix.

And here, notice how this monolithic-scaled work on paper presides over this living room setting. The piece is both serene and fragile. There is something very familiar and childlike about being face-to-face with artwork on paper.

In his book Living with Art, author Mark Getlein writes: “In drawings…we have the impression of being present at an intimate transaction between artist and (paper).”

And it’s true, there is something immediate and human about a fragile piece of paper, especially considering that a work on canvas may last centuries longer. Little Rock’s own Arts Center is devoted to works on paper. Did you know that?

Notice how placing a drawing on paper above this mantle provides an air of simple elegance and approachability.

And how this small-scale ink abstract on paper by Franz Kline amps up the power factor in this bold lacquered dining room by Suzanne Kasler…

Good stuff, right??!!

Well, there’s some brilliant art discourse for your day. Hopefully you’re totally in tune with your inner artist by now. Now go grab a pencil or paintbrush and make a doodle, or a sketch, or a painting even. And above the all, learn to value artworks on paper. They’re really so cool. Cheers!

Active in the Little Rock design scene since 2006, Joshua Plumlee is passionate about reimagining elegant interiors with a focus on original artwork and an unconventional approach to luxurious style.

The post The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: Paintings vs. Drawings appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Fall Porch DIY #3: Kathryn J. LeMaster

agill@athomearkansas.com — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 13:49:42 +0000

Today, Kathryn J. LeMaster is giving us step-by-step instructions for recreating two of the handmade elements that made her fall porch design so cheerful, warm & eclectic.

Burlap and Twine Banner

1. Depending on how long you need to banners to be, get several yards of burlap (color of your choice) at local craft or fabric store and a spool of twine.

2. Trace out your first triangle on the burlap with a piece of chalk. You can adjust size here too, but mine were about 6-8″ wide across the top to leave room for the holes and about 10-12″ long. So it looks sort of like a “skinny” triangle.

3. Cut out your first triangle, then use this one as the pattern for the rest of them. Continue cutting out triangles. The amount will vary depending on the length of your banner, but I used about 30-40 total. To ge tthe most out of your fabric, invert the triangles right side up and upside down, side by side, to avoid dead space or wasted material.

4. With your stack of burlap triangles now, take the first one and inset about 1/2″-1″ from the top and sides, cut a small hole with scissors and finish “burning” through with a hot glue gun to singe edges, finishing off the edges of the hole with a small ring of hot glue to keep edges from fraying. Do this to all triangles.

5. Take the spool of twine and your first triangle, and thread through the first hole from the back, across the front of the triangle and back through the second hole. Slide it down the twine to the desired length, leaving about an extra foot of twine at the end for adjusting. Continue threading each triangle through the same way and sliding down the twine so they are side by side, about an inch apart. Continue adding triangles until A. they’re all gone or B. you’ve reached the desired length!

6. Leave another extra foot of twine at the other end before cutting from the spool. Mount as desired with small tacks or tape, depending on application.

7. Voila! Enjoy your handmade burlap banner!

Half and Half Wreath (I call it this because it’s half ready made/half hand made to save time but still look home made!)

1. Get a basic grapevine wreath at local craft store as your base to make the wreath bigger.

2. Get a smaller, ready-made faux floral wreath to add some color and fullness.

3. Layer the two wreathes, and bind with floral wire in at least three points to make them appear as one wreath. (mine was brown to camouflage with vines)

4. Add your own variety of fresh or faux stems, leaves, or blossoms to give it a more realistic and handmade look! I used a variety of dried fresh floral stems, such as wheat and other leafy stems and colorful dried flowers. Stick the sprigs in all the way around as desired to mix in with the faux florals and create a more “live” wreath look.

5. Voila! You just “made” a fabulous wreath in half the time with half the effort!

Learn more about Kathryn and view her work at kathrynjlemaster.com.

See more images of Kathryn J. LeMaster’s front porch decor in the October issue, HERE.

And find more fall porch DIYs HERE, HERE, and HERE.

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Get Real…Estate with Lindsey Binz: Dos and Don’ts for Selling Your Home

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 13:43:53 +0000

Homes are my one of my passions.

Whether it be designing, decorating or helping people buy/sell them.

When a seller does get ready to market their house, there are many ways they can go about doing it.

It’s always best to keep in mind that the real estate market is

1- A Beauty Contest

AND

2- Price War

Both of Equal Importance…

Shutterstock

Both of the personal homes I’ve sold, got offers with in 1 week of being put in the mls…

It is because we were

REALISTIC when we put them on the market.

We didn’t expect to get more than their FAIR market value.

Not the value that we had in them.

Victoriareese

You have to look at your reasons for selling first and foremost.

Please don’t discount that your desire to live in a different house

might actually mean a little bruise to your ego.

So let’s get on with this… What should we do to get our house sold???

First- CALL your Realtor, PLEASE

Yes, you will pay them, but chances are the fee will be well worth it.

parishotelboutique

An experienced agent can give you lots of tips on what needs to be done prior to photos and marketing. This might and probably will include a call to your designer or contractor depending on the condition of your home.

I don’t recommend doing MAJOR renovations right before you move-

(except in situations where a house wouldn’t sell otherwise)

Chances are the buyer that buys your house, will not like everything you have done, therefore won’t value it as much as you do….Meaning you won’t get as much you think you should.

Now, if you are doing renovations a few years prior to moving, in hopes of marketing your home, this is different. Because you will at least get to enjoy these changes while you live there.

I do recommend adjusting your list price based on what needs to be done.

I promise MOST people would rather pay $25,000.00-$50,000.00 less for a house and get to choose the finishes, than you already do the work and the tile/counter top color not be to their liking.

I am not saying that stained/soiled floors and walls not be replaced or painted.

The Guardian

Most homes being marketed will require an initial investment to get it up to par and looking good.

This is usually a few minor carpentry jobs and a few weekends of cleaning and decluttering.

bubhub

There are a few reasons that a house in town should automatically be listed

less than the surrounding comps. 3 that come to mind are:

1- If they are on a busy/main road

just me with

2- If they are on a Hill- up or down slope

ellen.warnerbros

3- If they are majorly outdated (Exterior or Interior)

active rain

Design Sponge

Please do not expect to get the same amount per sf as other homes in the neighborhood,

if yours falls into this category. It’s just not realistic.

These are just a few of the many things to do (or not do) when selling your house.

Let me know if I can help

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company,
a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s).
If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too!
Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

The post Get Real…Estate with Lindsey Binz: Dos and Don’ts for Selling Your Home appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

4 Ways to Preserve Character When Renovating a Historic Home

agill@athomearkansas.com — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 18:04:25 +0000

Lance Johnston’s newly-renovated, century-old home in Conway is one of the feature articles in our October issue. A certified contractor–and partner in Reform Design + Build, a new home building outfit in central Arkansas–Johnston oversaw the renovation himself. Here are his tips for renovating a historic home in a way that preserves its unique character, while creating present-day functionality.

LANCE’S TIPS FOR PRESERVING CHARACTER IN A HISTORIC HOME

1/ Pay Attention to Scale

To keep an old home’s charm intact, it’s essential to keep the scale authentic to what’s typical for that time period. Door openings were traditionally narrower, ceilings higher, and windows much more expansive. Functional elements, like fireplaces, should also adhere to traditional proportions: smaller mantels and surrounds were common, whereas fireboxes were much larger.

2/ Dig the Details

“Small” things—like window and door hardware, light fixtures, and switches—can make a big difference. Restore and use any original items you can, if you are renovating an old home, or find sources for distinctive accents. You’ll find unique, historic trim, doors, and cabinets at architectural salvage yards, and—often—it can be a budget-friendly alternative to buying new.

3/ Choose Appropriate Materials

To achieve an authentic look, when making additions or updates, pay close attention to the textures you choose. Original glass in windows, with its rippling and distortions, adds lots of charm. Shiplap, beadboard, or board-and-batten paneling add classic architectural interest. In kitchens and bathrooms, marble, soapstone, and butcher block give countertops a more traditional feel.

4/ Create Natural Additions

In older homes, you’ll usually find more—and much smaller—rooms, which aren’t necessarily very functional for the way we live today. Opening walls but leaving cased openings can give the suggestion of separate rooms yet still give a home a much larger feel. When renovating an older home, consider enclosing an existing porch rather than making a large addition; oftentimes it can add much-needed space in a way that feels more natural. Think about how your family will live in the space, how you’ll entertain, and then create spaces that will encourage togetherness.

Tour Lance Johnston’s home in our October issue, online.

To learn more about Reform Design + Build, Lance Johnston’s homebuilding business, click here.

The post 4 Ways to Preserve Character When Renovating a Historic Home appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Fall Porch DIY #2: Jana Hunter

agill@athomearkansas.com — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 12:04:34 +0000

Living in the beautiful state of Arkansas provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and decorate our homes as the four seasons change. For me personally, I adore fall. There is something special about the crisp, morning air while enjoying a hot cup of coffee or embracing the cool nights layered with a favorite blanket. Fall’s arrival also brings forth an array of pumpkins, gourds, and colorful mums scattered among front porches.

Front doors are also a fabulous backdrop for additional seasonal décor. Each year, Indian corn is gathered and displayed on my front doors as a fond reminder of my childhood home’s fall decor. You may also create this festive display using the following items: 3 ears of Indian corn, 4 to 5 stems of wheat (I used artificial found at a local craft store), ribbon of your choice (2 varieties), twine, and scissors.

Lay 4-5 stems of wheat gathered together on a flat surface.

Next, fluff the husks on the corn to add dimension.

Place 3 ears of Indian corn on top of the gathered wheat. Ensure the top portion of the corn meets the gathered point of the wheat.

The 3 ears of Indian corn create a triangle when stacked.

Secure the Indian corn to the wheat with a piece of twine tied on the backside.

Cut a 50” piece of ribbon of your choice and tie in a bow on the front side.

For a layered look with a punch of color, add another 50” piece of ribbon tied in a bow.

Backside of the Indian corn and wheat

Display the Indian corn and wheat on your front door by securing the backside of the ribbon onto a brad nail hammered into your front door at an angle.

With the addition of your new Indian corn and wheat front door décor, I hope you enjoy this beautiful fall season!

Learn more about Jana and view her work at janahunter.com.

See more images of Jana Hunter’s front porch decor in the October issue, HERE.

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Outside the Box with D. Keeley: October Update

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 14:13:59 +0000

What a gorgeous fall we are having! I can’t believe it is already October, but I am absolutely loving the mild weather and blue skies lately. I hope you are, as well! I decided to take advantage of some of that beautiful weather this weekend to get the front porch and entry dressed up for autumn. I didn’t go quite as big as I have the past couple years, but I still wanted a little something to celebrate the season in style. So, I thought I’d share the transformation with you, in case you are in need of any easy ideas for decorating your own outdoor spaces.

The entry had gotten a little drab, to be honest. The begonias I planted this spring were fading, and the door mat had certainly seen better days. The variegated maiden grasses at the stairs are in full bloom, however, and made for a good start!

I began my seasonal makeover by tossing the door mat and swapping out the old begonias for new ornamental cabbages, along with pansies and violas in beautiful red-wine tones.

Next, I decided to use a pair of urns I found recently to anchor the doorway. I love how tall, narrow and simple they are. Filled with these vibrantly hued chrysanthemums, they stand out nicely against the dark color of the house.

The urns are nice in their own right, but they also serve as the base for an arbor of grapevine and bittersweet. To create the arbor, I simply pulled apart a grapevine wreath from the craft store, stuck the larger ends of the branches into the soil in the urns and trained the vines over the door. A small concrete screw and some wire anchor the very top, so it won’t fall down.

Once the grapevines were in place, I added branches of fresh bittersweet throughout the arbor. The rich colors of the bittersweet echo those in the mums and cause the arbor to “pop” against the dark brick.

Next, I hung a natural honeysuckle-vine wreath on the front door and embellished it with more bittersweet to match the arbor.

All that was needed then, was the final finishing touch (You guessed it!)…pumpkins, pumpkins and more pumpkins! As I said I took it easy this year, compared to past years, but generous piles of fresh squashes, pumpkins and gourds are a must for me and help tie the whole front porch display together!

So, one more year’s autumn display is under wraps! I hope my neighbors like it as much as I do, and I hope it helps inspire some of you to Live Outside the Box by enjoying your outdoor spaces, as well as the bounty of the season!

Follow the Outside the Box house through the seasons, by reading Daniel Keeley’s other posts, HERE.

For more fall DIY door and porch decorating ideas follow the blog all this week, beginning with Cara Hazlewood’s post from yesterday, HERE.

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: October Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Fall Porch DIY #1: Cara Hazlewood

agill@athomearkansas.com — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 14:12:26 +0000

When At Home in Arkansas asked if I would be interested in designing a fall front porch for their October issue, not only was I flattered that they thought to ask me, but it gave me the perfect excuse to build a quick and easy console table that I’d had my eye on for quite some time. I was totally onboard.

While I’m not a designer by trade, I jump at the opportunity to share an easy and rewarding a do-it-yourself project in hopes of inspiring others to create a home space they are proud of. At Home in Arkansas’ fall front porch challenge sounded like the perfect opportunity to spruce up my friend Alicia’s Hillcrest front porch for fall AND try out this super simple DIY console table, made from just 5 boards. This table is plastered all over Pinterest and I was ready to give it a shot for myself.

Here is a great step-by-step tutorial from thriftyandchic.com.

This table had been on my radar for a while, so I was excited to put my toolbox to work and build one for my friend Alicia’s fall front porch. In fact, this little table was so easy to build, I built two for my own house while I was at it!

Supply List:

1 – 1×12 pine board cut to desired length of the table top (the table in this post is 46” long)
2 – 1×12 pine boards cut to desired table height (the table in this post is 33” tall)
2 – 1×6 pine boards
4 brackets
Drill/Screws
Hammer/nails
Wood glue
Paint

After deciding how tall I wanted the table to be, I cut the top and two side “legs” to size and attached them together with a couple of brackets to make the table frame, using wood glue at the joints for added support.

Then, laying the 2 – 1×6 boards diagonally across the front and back of the table, I knew where to make the cuts before nailing them into place.

A quick coat of pale blue paint later, and we had the backdrop for our fall front porch scene. Not only was this table a breeze to build, but now Alicia can use it year round in her home.

Read the article online to see all three autumn porch decorating schemes > HERE

See Cara’s past DIY projects with step-by-step photos > HERE

Cara Hazlewood is a real estate broker with The Property Group and a devoted do-it-yourself-er. She writes about her home transformations on her blog, Live the Home Life

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Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Rustic Retreats

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 14:11:26 +0000

Fall has finally arrived and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Crisp air and chilly temps, football and hot toddies, Halloween, Thanksgiving… I love it all. The splendors of the season get me in the mood to be by a fire (even if it’s still not that cold), among changing leaves and nature. So where better to do that than a rustic retreat? For this month’s post, I was inspired by the season and rounded up my favorite rustic spaces: converted barns, log cabins, mountain homes. Wouldn’t you love to settle in for an autumn evening in one of these fabulous spots?

Amanda Brooks
Photo by Claiborne Swanson-Frank
Vogue.com

Bruce Weber and Nan Bush
Photo by Bruce Weber
Town and Country

Kathleen Rivers
Photo by Brie Williams
Garden & Gun

Margaret and Jay McEntire
Photo by Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Richard Keith Langham
Photo by Francesco Lagnese
Veranda

Ralph Lauren
Photo by Bjorn Wallander
Architectural Digest

Love Cece’s take on decorating? CLICK HERE to see a roundup of her favorite furnishings with patina!

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Rustic Retreats appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: A Parade of Pumpkins on Pedestals

agill@athomearkansas.com — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 15:43:56 +0000

Anyone who knows me, how I approach my craft, or what excites me knows I love pumpkins. I use them from the time I can first purchase them—sometimes directly from the grower—then deep into winter and beyond. (They can last many months—a fact that wasn’t lost on farmers in the days before refrigeration.) I feel you can’t beat their vibrant colors, wildly varying textures, or happy shapes.

Here’s the thing: they don’t have to be relegated to Halloween displays, carved up into jack-o-lanterns. Pumpkins and all their range of colors and textures are wonderful complements to the fall garden.

Have you ever noticed how, oftentimes, we love our gardens the most at the end of the season? Everything is at its verdant peak—the colors more saturated, the growth more lush. You can add a mix of pumpkins (and ornamental squash) to the plantings you’ve nurtured all summer long. It will add further visual interest and make the approach of fall a little merrier.

To really get the most out of your pumpkins, why not put them on simple pedestals? You highlight their addition to your garden, add height and interest, and ensure they’ll be noticed. And appreciated. We carry these metal pedestals at Botanica, and you can use them throughout the year.

Think about the area you want to use them in. Do you want them to trace the line of your walk? Give height between foundation plantings near a wall? Create visual interest at the end of a path? Provide punctuation to an existing design? Then give them each a small stage, so that they can have their moment in your garden.

Notice that I’ve mixed them. It’s far more interesting to use pumpkins that differ in size, shape, and color than featuring all the same type. The pedestals make the point here that you’ve found really interesting shapes and colors, even warty ones, and you’re now taking them to another level. They become part of your landscape, part of your hearty end-of-season garden when used this way.

It’s a really simple idea, but (as is often the case with simple ideas) it’s a good one. And those little pedestals can be used to display seasonal bits of interest in your garden all year long. Once you elevate a bit of garden color and texture, you elevate the senses and the design appeal, which is what makes your guests want to come back, season after season.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: A Parade of Pumpkins on Pedestals appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Amy Nelson Hannon’s Apple Brown Betty Recipe

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 16:44:44 +0000

In our September issue, we are honored to have Euna Mae’s Amy Nelson Hannon to offer her insights on hospitality and tips for creating a perfect fall brunch. For recipes from the menu featured in the magazine, visit the Euna Mae’s blog. Here’s her recipe for a perfect autumn sweet treat:

APPLE BROWN BETTY

Serves 8-10
6 cups (about one loaf) finely cubed brioche or challah
7 apples, thinly sliced *I prefer 4 Honeycrisps and 3 Granny Smiths

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
zest of one lemon
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. apple cider
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
juice of one lemon
3-4 Tbsp. unsalted butter plus
more for buttering dish

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350F.

In a small mixing bowl, combine sugars, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest.

In a one-cup measuring cup with a pour spout, combine the apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and lemon zest.

Generously butter a 9×13 glass or ceramic baking dish. Spread 1/3 of the finely cubed brioche in the bottom of the pan. Bread should be cubed as finely as possible!

Lay half of the sliced apples over the bread cubes and cover with 1/2 of the sugar mixture.

Carefully drizzle the juice mixture all over the apples. Then follow with another third of the bread, then the remaining apples, and the rest of the sugar mixture. Top with the remaining bread cubes.

Cover the top with very thin, thin, thin slices of cold butter which will brown the top layer of bread and melt down into the apples. Mmmm!

Cover and bake 40 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 minutes more.

Serve with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

For more of the recipes from Amy Nelson Hannon’s brunch feature in our September issue, visit the Euna Mae’s blog: Cranberry Almond Granola and Spinach Mushroom Frittata with Bacon

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The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: Works on Paper

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 11:35:48 +0000

Let’s talk paper. No, not the towel or tissue variety. Artwork on paper.

I have a special love for works on paper and over the next few months we will journey together and learn all about etchings, lithographs, mixed media works, as well as the tricky differences between, say, drawings and paintings. We will dive into what it means to collect works on paper, having them framed and living with this type of medium in your home.

Doesn’t all that just sound so interesting?? It’s so fun you can’t stand it, right? RIGHT? Well, keep reading anyway and at least you’ll be able to impress someone at a party with terms like “gouache” and “assemblage”. (No – those aren’t references to food.) Who knows, you might even have a little fun. And then you can go crazy filling your home with chic art.

So until next month, here are some appetite-whetting images of ultra chic interiors with a wonderful assortment of artworks on paper….

DESIGN/ Antony Todd via chiccoles.blogspot.com

I love this vignette – the pairing of antique European chair and hard-edged, clean-lined console table, mixed with Old World sketch framed behind glass. All the eclecticism makes this little story feel very updated.

STYLING/ James Leland Day via desiretoinspire.net

Technically, some historians and art critics assign photography into a category all its own, but in this case we will include it. Plus, there is something quite special about this Wassily chair, in all its warm caramel/honey leather glory, that plays so nicely alongside the vintage floor lamp and the photographic work framed in a similarly warm toned frame. This is the epitome of neutral modern-masculine chic.

ART/ “Release” by Jake Blake, mixed media on python IMAGE/ flairhomecollection.com

This quirky little vignette is from Flair Home in grand ole New Yawk City. The bold, graphic white and black artwork is on stretched Python skin actually. No big deal, right? Everyone needs an abstract work on Python. Everyone…

Image source Unknown

And lastly for today, this elegant pairing of emerald velvet settee and monolithic-scaled gold leaf work is right up my alley. Green and gold together like this takes me to my happy place. Mmmmmmmm.

The artwork is framed very simply – clean black frame, float-mounted behind glass – and yet it presides very strikingly over this room, almost like a sun disc. Very glam. (We’ll learn more about specific framing techniques soon).

So for now, go find a place in your home that might be calling out for some artwork on paper! I’ll teach you how to select and buy it in our next post. Cheers!

The post The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: Works on Paper appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Antiques & Vintage with Providence Design: Our New Design Crush… Paneled Walls

agill@athomearkansas.com — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 15:13:28 +0000

Because of its warmth, beauty, and timelessness, wood has long been the material of choice for floors… But lately we are crushing on the character and beauty it can add to your walls… And it doesn’t have to be formal either. Intricately carved French paneled walls are so beautiful, but we also love the informality that running boards either horizontally or vertically in a cottage, farm house, or just more casual setting accomplishes…

We’re working on a project in Gadsden Alabama where we will panel the study off the foyer. The style of this home is very French. We plan to do something like this…

Villa Rozenhout

Taking it a step further we will be having some doors made similar to these that just become a part of the paneling…are these not to die for?

via Belgian Pearls

via Veranda

More simple paneling but still so beautiful…

via Belgian Pearls

Storage behind the panels is a great idea…

via This is Glamorous

Michael W. Smith…Classic perfection!

A little less formal…

via Cote de Texas

Love the rustic mix here…

This is one of our projects…Love the character that the horizontal painted ship lap paneling adds to this casual dining space.

So what do you think?

Are you as fond of the warmth and beauty that wood can add to walls as we are? It’s your turn. Let’s talk.

Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.

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Laundry Day with Lindsey Binz

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:39:59 +0000

It’s L A U N D R Y D A Y

Oh Wait…

Carrie Elle

The Laundry room is one of the most over utilized, yet under designed rooms in the home.

If you have to spend so much time in a room, why not make it pretty?

Here are some of my favorite laundry rooms!

2 Sets of Washers/Dryers…Genius!

The application of subway tile on the floor

and all that storage.

What’s not to love in this luxurious laundry room?

Tracy Hardenburg Designs

Another tile application, that I love, is the wall or backsplash behind the Washer/Dryer.

It just really brings in texture and pulls the room together.

Well Nestled Interiors

This wallpaper is amazing!

If you have a smaller laundry room, wallpaper is a great way to add some personality

without busting the budget. Well, actually it’s kind of a splurge.

But anything to make doing laundry not feel like such a drag, Right?!

J. Wheeler Designs

Another (less expensive) way to add personality is to paint a pattern on one wall.

I say one wall, b/c that’s about all the patience I would have to take on a project like this.

Plus that’s all you really need to make a statement!

The Casablanca Transformation

As you are laundering, you will probably find some hard to remove stains.

Take the guesswork out by keeping a cheat sheet or care guide in your laundry area.

I LOVE THIS IDEA!

BHG

Some days I actually make money doing laundry …
If I get lucky and someone forgets to check their pockets before throwing their jeans
NEXT to the hamper!Here’s a fun DIY project for ya
Click on link below for tutorial

Tried and True Blog

Don’t forget the art!
Here’s an appropriate one…

Shop ISA

B/C it’s Never Ending…

H A P P Y L A U N D R Y D A Y

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Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Patina Perfect

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 11:08:22 +0000

One of my favorite possessions is a gilded mirror that hangs over my dresser. The mirror has seen better days: bits of wood have fallen off of its detailed design, the mirror itself is scratched and aged. A friend of mine recently suggested I get it restored but its rough appearance is precisely why I like it so much. Every scratch helps tell its story. I think every room needs an element like that — one with serious patina. I love the look of an all-white space with a rougher wooden piece thrown in or a painting that has transformed with age. For this month’s post, I’ve gathered together some of my favorite spaces with patina, in both large and small doses.

Design by Kay O’ToolePhoto by Patrick Cline

Lonny

Design by Oberto GiliPhoto by Joy Sohn

Domino

Design by Daniel KeeleyPhoto by Nancy Nolan

At Home in Arkansas

Design by Michelle NussbaumerPhoto by Melanie Acevedo

Veranda

Design by Gwynn GriffithPhoto by William Waldron

Elle Decor

Design by Soho HousePhoto by Robbie Lawrence

WSJ Magazine

Design by Pamela PiercePhoto by Laura Resen

Veranda

Design and Photo by Valorie HartThe Visual Vamp

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Patina Perfect appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Down to the Bones

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 14:53:52 +0000

Did you know that Halloween is now becoming the top holiday for spending on decorations? Even exceeding Christmas. You have a lot of competition out there, so you might just need to up your game. We all know about creating a bit of interior spookiness, but, if you have a walk and a bit of green space, you can create shivers at the curb.

You won’t need to hire a grave robber to find you some bones. Lots of really good (read: lifelike) skeletons are now available, and they’re not limited to humans, either. A great way to display a skeleton, since we’ve all seen them hanging at eye level, is to elevate it a bit and maybe splay it out. Spread out the arms and legs, as if it were tossed by something not quite human, and wire to a tree trunk, so that the head is just above your gaze.

If you don’t have any slim trees in your yard like these birches, you could attach your skeleton to a wall, even, or to corner of the house. The idea is to bring it up higher to maximize the effect, and don’t just leave it relaxed and standing, as if it were hanging in an anatomy lab. And a pile of bones is also a great way to add a further element to your design. You don’t always have to use a complete skeleton.

And you might also like using animal skeletons as well. What’s great about these dogs is that they fit the scale of decorations along a walk. Visitors can’t miss them, and they’re unexpected. You might need to assure guests that, no, that’s not the skeleton of your retriever.

If you use pumpkins, really use them. One or two will never be enough. And don’t just line them up, either. Create a feeling of bounty and texture by creating drifts of pumpkins along a walk, or on a porch. Also, a great way to use them is mix real with artificial. It’s also a good idea to mix varieties of pumpkins. Avoid using nothing but the traditional orange. You’ll find stripes and all sorts of hues, plus the great ‘Ghost’ pumpkins, with a pallor that will punctuate your design, and echo the skeleton’s whiteness.

You’ll find many fake pumpkins already ‘carved’ as jack o’ lanterns, and you can mix them in. One trick I have for making them a bit more lifelike—and even elegant—is to stain them. Take a cloth dip it into walnut stain, and wipe the entire pumpkin and stem. This action calls for a light touch; you don’t want a pumpkin that’s too dark.

Once you’ve achieved your mix of pumpkins, add mums. They’ll provide a shot of color to your display. When the holiday is over, you can simply plant the mums. Another advantage they have is that they also pick up the light, which is crucial since many of your guests will see your handiwork only at night.

And speaking of lighting, if you have it, use it, or even create it. The light tubes here were once PVC pipes that were drilled with random holes and then filled with strings of white lights. Just bury them and display your bones and pumpkins around this bit of impromptu light. I sprayed the tubes orange for the occasion, and I like the effect so much, I leave the lights on during the day.

Once your skeleton is hung, you might need a bit more texture, since you’re bringing your guests’ eyes up into the trees. Instead of using the nylon cobwebs, try Spanish moss. And you won’t have to get in the car and drive to the coast to get it. You can pick up packaged moss at Botanica Gardens, and it creates a nice decrepit effect.

Once you have your large pieces in, step back, appraise your work, and add elements as needed. Then add some more.

Pumpkins, jack o’ lanterns, mums, and seasonal bits like bunches of bittersweet, which you can place in groupings on the ground, and in pots along the entryway, will mean you’re really enjoying a ‘haunted’ life. Just the right thing for the season.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Down to the Bones appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: August Update

agill@athomearkansas.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 13:47:43 +0000

Hello again and Happy August! As I mentioned last month, my birthday is July 3rd, and…well…I don’t know if I should read anything into this or not, but all the gifts I received had to do with entertaining, cocktails and imbibing of one sort or another. So, I thought I would use this theme as an excuse to get together with some friends, give the gifts a try and share them all with you, as well!

This gift from my friend Christopher Todd of Christopher Todd Design was the perfect inspiration for a garden cocktail get-together. It is a prepackaged, miniature herb garden meant to inspire gourmet drinking.

It comes complete with seeds, soil markers and even a book of recipes to get you started.

You sow the seeds right in the packaging, and my friends and I had fun getting them all planted. I’ll let you know next month how they turned out!

The herbs inspired me to serve up a variation of one of my favorite summertime cocktails: a classic gin and tonic. Cool and refreshing, a G and T is the perfect drink for relaxing in the garden. This time I decided to mix the drinks (in lovely glasses given to me by my parents) with San Pellegrino instead of tonic for an even lighter flavor and to accompany them with fresh herbs from the garden. Either muddled into the drink or used simply as a garnish, the herbs add flavor and a little gardening activity to the evening.

While I was in the veggie garden, I also harvested a couple bunches of the Arkansas native ‘Cynthiana’ grapes that grow along the fence. The grapes [they are the little green ones] aren’t really that tasty yet, as this is only their second season, but I am so excited to see them growing! I used them as a garnish to go along with a wonderful St. Andre cheese served on a beautiful stone platter that was another birthday gift.

While I was at the store getting the cheese, I also picked up this Pinot Grigio infused summer sausage, which I thought fit the evening’s theme just fine!

It all came together nicely. Friends and I set up a small buffet at one end of the courtyard and decorated the table with some hydrangea blossoms, cut fresh from the garden and placed in a vase that was yet another birthday gift.

The evening also let me make use of another gift from some close friends: silver mint julep cups. Instead of another cocktail, I simply served white wine out of them this time. I think mint julep cups are great for just about any drink, really. Their simple, shiny style is even good for decorating: I often use them as vases and votive holders, too!

And that was my little boozy-birthday-gift-inspired garden gathering, haha! As I was cleaning up, I enjoyed one last nightcap and one final birthday gift: a simple beer from a Yeti coozy, guaranteed to keep your suds super cold. Thanks, Sis!

Just so I am not the only one getting all the gifts around here, though, I want to leave you with a little gift from my friend, chef and entertainer extraordinaire Jen Lewis. Below is the recipe for her Spicy and Sweet Cocktail, sure to spice up any garden party! [check out more recipes here]

Muddled strawberries and jalapenos to taste

2 ounces Vodka

2 teaspoons basil and jalapeno simple syrup

Juice of 1 lime

Shake or stir over ice and top with club soda

See you next month!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: August Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Public Places, Private Spaces

agill@athomearkansas.com — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 18:20:41 +0000

Since the dawn of civilization, humans have created open spaces within their active areas of livelihood, places to gather or linger, areas devoted to expression. These sometimes-unexpected meetings of hardscape and plantings can also serve as markers of entrance or exit or as punctuation for the grid of streets surrounding them. By creating and opening up such areas, we provide a certain respite from urban chaos and make an area, although carefully planned and executed, that is serene and almost pastoral. The design elements for these plantings are really quite simple, and you can follow them to either establish a design for your neighborhood or create such a space for yourself.

What you need is an area that is somewhat level and always accessible. If you’re designing something for your neighborhood, think about the entrance or even an available empty lot. (Yes, seek permission first.) You want a place that can be seen.

Craft your bed for planting, remembering one fact: Nothing square is found in nature. Use a pattern that is circular, somewhat so, or even will have a bit of a curve to it. Always raise your bed. It will make your planting more important. Now play up texture, by using something like the stones used here. Since raised beds mean your plants will be closer to eye level, be mindful of heartiness and color.

Work your way into your space, by first using lower plants. Then, add a secondary element. This can be taller plantings, bloomers, or greenery. You want a bit of contrast. And you’ll also want to find plants that are easy to maintain and hardy in most weather.

Then add the focal point, like a bit of sculpture shown here—although your piece of interest doesn’t have to be metal; you could just as easily select an urn placed on a pedestal, or even a tall plant or tree, blooming or not. The idea is for you to select whatever pleases you and will provide year-round interest, for the focus of your design.

Your design for a public place can also be full of rangy color, like this bed full of rudbeckia, begonia and gomphrena. If you want something that is seasonally vibrant, here’s the one for you. Emphasis is placed not on art, but on color.

Good design needn’t be complicated or require lots of sourcing of materials. Find an area for your design, then fill it with what you love, what speaks to you. You can take the principle of ‘public place’ and make it your own ‘private space.’ Just remember scale and good siting for your design. Assemble and sit back and admire. Or forget it until the next time you walk out your door or round the corner. It really is that easy.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Public Places, Private Spaces appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Wild Wonders

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 12:05:25 +0000

I am a serious animal lover, and that extends into my decorating tastes as well. My heart skips a beat anytime I spy a critter in a fabric motif– even snakes! Although I’m less fond of those in person. I especially love the birds in chinoiserie wallpaper, any sort of creatures in a nursery scheme, and of course those Scalamandre zebras that graced Margot Tenenbaum’s walls. This month I rounded up some of my favorite snapshots of nature-inspired fabrics and wallpapers in decor.

Design by Kimberly Harper
Photo by Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Adam Charlap Hyman
Photo by Reid Rolls
Domaine

Design by Maryam Montague
Photo by Patrick Cline
Lonny

Design by Susan Walsh
Photo by Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Miles Redd
Photo by Simon Upton
Elle Decor

Design by Bailey McCarthy
Photo by Kimberly Chau
Style Me Pretty Living

Design by Stephen Sclaroff
Photo by Jason Frank Rothenberg
Habitually Chic

Design by Rita Konig
Photo by James Merrell
Domino

Do you ever use animal motifs in your decor??

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A Penny for Your Thoughts? Copper Love from Lindsey Binz

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 15:01:27 +0000

I love using metal in design and I love to mix metals. One of my favorites is Copper.

It looks good with EVERYTHING.

If I saw this door, I would absolutely have to enter it…

I mean what could be on the other side, besides a lot of STYLE!!!

My Villa Life

A copper backsplash, counters and green cabinets… This is amazing!

If you look closely, you will see the stainless range.

I am not the only one who likes to mix it Up!

Elle Decor

Again, copper mixed with stainless… and white this time!

This is so chic

Lonny

Copper Walls, I can’t even!

This application is something that I have been trying to convince clients to try for years.

It is a little pricey, but a little amazing too!

Please, Please, Please someone let me try this!!!

Del Weale Interior Design

Sheet metal (copper or otherwise) is an easy-to-install material that (below)

becomes both headboard and statement wall!

Bikini Berlin/Hotel

This simple DIY would make any furniture piece or cabinet more industrial.

Click link below for how to.

Upcycled Treasures

You can also use copper pipe to make curtain rods.

Our Vintage Home

If you are wanting to add some copper, but it’s not time to renovate, how about trying a ladder?

Here’s another DIY project…

Click on link below for instructions

Brittany Makes

Another inexpensive way to add copper

Baskets!

H&M

CB2

Another (non Permanent, but not inexpensive) way to add copper is Furniture.

Photo speaks for itself!

jmarxatelier

I have used copper in many of my projects

Here is a custom copper mantle that I specified for a client to add to her existing design

Lindsey Binz Home

I am always on the lookout for copper while shopping Estate Sales and Antique Stores.

I got a steal with this Found Vintage Copper Pot. I used it in the bathroom

I designed for the Symphony Designer House Spring of 2014

Lindsey Binz Home

In my client’s Kitchen, we had this custom copper hood made to coordinate with the

hammered copper apron front sink and other copper accents.

We also used stainless steel, brass and oil rubbed bronze.

Lindsey Binz Home

What do you think about Copper? Will you join the trend?

I would love to see how you have used copper in your designs!

The post A Penny for Your Thoughts? Copper Love from Lindsey Binz appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: July Update

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 15:40:45 +0000

Hello again. I hope you had a wonderful Independence Day weekend! I love the 4th of July, and my birthday just happens to come the day before, so I always have a lot to celebrate in July. This year I spent the weekend at the lake, soaking up the sun and eating all my favorite foods, generously prepared by my friends. It was a lovely time, and I couldn’t resist sharing this sunset photo from my birthday night. Glorious!

I hope your weekend was as good as mine. I also hope you have had a chance to check out the July issue of the At Home magazine. I am so thrilled that our Independence Day get-together feature made the cover! It was such a fun time.

So fun in fact that it inspired me to give my house and garden a little festive flair, as well!

As you can see, the hostas in the front garden were in full bloom, adding to the celebratory mood.

And, now all the hyrdrangeas are beginning to explode!

In the perennial garden, things have been doing pretty well, especially the Chaste Tree, which has been in full force for a couple weeks, now.

In the fountain garden, the iris bloomed nicely…

…but the Crabapples unfortunately suffered from a bought of fire blight. I treated the blight, and all in all things look fine, however I may have to consider replacing the Crabapples with something less prone to disease. If so, I am thinking of going in a different direction altogether, perhaps with columnar Junipers. What do you think? If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear your ideas!

Around the corner, the cabana received its own dose of patriotism for the holiday!

And finally, the vegetable garden has been growing like a weed, producing piles of yummy vegetables, all thanks to this gorgeous gal, the sweet daughter of a good friend. With just a little help from ‘pops,’ she has been learning the ins and outs of gardening and has made the veggie garden a complete success!

So that is what has been happening Outside the Box around here. Now that the rains have stopped and hot summer temps have arrived, I might just be staying inside a bit more, haha, but either way I will see you next month. I hope you have a wonderful July!

The post Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: July Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Spaces for Outdoor Entertaining

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 13:46:32 +0000

When I saw the Red, White & Chic feature in this month’s issue of At Home, I knew I wanted to highlight indoor/outdoor entertaining for my post. While July 4th may be behind us, the feature still inspires fun summer soirees. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a little space (beyond the average patio) just for throwing parties? I’ve rounded up some of my favorites. Enjoy!

Design by Daniel Keeley
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Claire Stansfield
AOC Restaurant
via One Kings Lane

Design by Mark and Mary Sage
Photo by Tara Dunne
Garden & Gun

Design by Domaine Home and Dianna Agron
Photo by Justin Coit
Domaine

Design by Hutton Wilkinson
Photo by Patrick Cline
Lonny Magazine

Design by Mario Buatta
Architectural Digest

Design by Martha Stewart
Architectural Digest

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Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Pots!

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 13:34:57 +0000

Not all of us have the luxury of living with lush lawns sweeping to the horizon or deep flowerbeds that contain lots of color and beauty almost every day of the year. Many of us reside in urban areas, where space is at a premium, and plantings are used as simply a border–an afterthought. But you can use pots—and potted plantings—as a possible space usage solution, as well as that “what the what” factor for design, and even a focal point in an existing landscaped space.

In terms of design, what I’m talking about here is creating and using vertical emphasis in your plantings. You don’t need a towering palm tree or garden sculpture to create height appeal. One interesting pot—or several—full of foundation plants or a seasonal color mix will give any area that bit of pop and wow that will bring the eye up, rather than being focused on the ground.

First, use one or more good-looking pots. You have two choices here; go with something in a dark color like charcoal, which will recede into the architecture and design, or go with a bright, almost eccentric color choice to really create an unexpected, happy space. I always say to think big and streamline. A large pot will not only make your design more sophisticated; it will also mean you don’t have to worry about watering all the time. Take an under-used, blank space or corner and line up some pots. Then add some seating. You’ve just created another ‘room,’ which you probably didn’t even know you would have. One design trick here: uniformity. Use the same planter in matching color, as well as the same plants. Repetition of elements will mean the space appears larger. And isn’t this blue against the white walls cool and refreshing?

You can feature one large pot raised on a simple platform of stacked rock and fill it with something hardy for a really effective use of space. Using rock as a base for your pot means you won’t have to worry about the pot shifting in the garden soil. And you’ve created something special out of what was just an ordinary planting space next to a walk. Notice the pot isn’t overly dramatic, nor is the plant material overtly bold. It’s all in the presentation.

Or you can get adventurous and use a bright color for your pot(s). And bear in mind that you won’t have to use orange-blooming annuals in an orange ceramic pot. (Although you can, if you wish. No one will ever condemn you for using color. Certainly not me.) The idea here, however, is emphasis is placed on the pot itself, so more green than color is used in our planting. And a word about planting these featured pots; place as much into them as you can. Like I always say, “Shove it and Cram it”! More plants in tight spaces means more drama.

And a reminder: Repetition of pot shape, color, and planting material will be your ally in this kind of design. Use more than one pot, and use the same type pot and color.

Using potted plantings in various ways to augment borders, walls, or corners will mean your landscape takes on further dimensions and another bit of sophistication. While gardening in the ground is wonderful, using pots as further expressions of your taste will mean you can enhance what you already have, and create something unexpected.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Pots! appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Fabric “Freedom”

agill@athomearkansas.com — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 16:11:05 +0000

In the long hot days of summer, it’s hard to concentrate on any kind of upgrade or design challenge that you may have put on the back burner. However, when you are with your family during these months, it might become more apparent what part of your home might not function in the best possible way. We always tend to feel more cramped up in our spaces when there are more people or when your children are at home for longer periods of time. I have always been in a more focused and family-aware mindset in the summer months. It is a great time to change things around in your space to reach a better accessibility for your entire family. In the month of July, we are talking and thinking a lot about our freedoms. So what better time to assess your freedom to change your surroundings?

Perhaps it only means some new pillows on a sofa or changing the fabric on that one special chair that you’ve had forever.

Whatever the case may be, take advantage of the lazy days of summer to do that one special project in your home to add that essence of family. And remember, textiles are the easiest of changes to make a HUGE impact!

Kelli Wilson is the creative mind behind Kelli Wilson Consulting, now based inside Ellen Golden Antiques in Little Rock!

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It’s Summer, and the Living is Easy

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 18:20:32 +0000

Really? For a lot of us summer is anything but easy living. Sister and I are not “home for the Summer.” We still get up and go to work every day. At best we try hard to pack in as much “ fun” as we can over the weekend–or maybe if we are lucky an entire week off–to go to the beach or lake or whatever suits our fancy…

image source shopdailychic.com

I don’t know about you…but sometimes I’m left feeling a tad depressed or left out as I scroll endlessly through friends and acquaintances vacation pics on Facebook. But hey, there are so many little guilty pleasures that are only meant for summer that we can all enjoy.

Only in the summer can you enjoy fresh ripe peaches. We have a very dear friend that keeps us supplied with the very best all season long. Love to just slice and eat them or add to a salad, but this peach cobbler recipe from Paula Dean is the bomb…

image source pauladeen.com

Or how about a Bourbon Peach Basil Smash…Yum!

image source girlinthelittleredkitchen.com

And all of the wonderful fresh herbs that only summer will provide…

Basil for that awesome drink…or Freeze those fresh herbs in olive oil to use later in pasta, soups and sauces…

image source thekitchn.com

What is summer without delicious fresh tomatoes? We can’t wait to try this recipe for Thai Tomato Salad from the Wanderlust Kitchen.

image source thewanderlustkitchen.com

And Fresh Corn…My very favorite! The Pioneer Woman gets it right with this fresh corn casserole…

image source thepioneerwoman.com

Watermelon…loved it as a kid…but as adults we’ve found so many awesome ways to enjoy this delicious sweet fruit…How about a watermelon mojito?

image source belllimento.com

or watermelon salsa?…another Pioneer Woman Recipe

image source thepioneerwoman.com

We can’t forget fresh strawberries…Strawberry Margarita Punch is just the trick to beat the Summer heat…

image source thecookierookie.com

Firing up the grill is a real summer tradition…

image source stsimonselopments.wordpress.com

Honey Garlic Pork Chops…Oh my!

image source blogchef.net

Or a nice, juicy steak is always a crowd pleaser…

image source vintagekitchennotes.com

So even if you can’t grab your bucket and run to the beach…

image source brightboldbeautiful.com

Head to the fresh market…invite some friends over…and enjoy the guilty pleasures that only summer can bring!

image source tastebook.com

It’s your turn. Let’s talk!

Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.

The post It’s Summer, and the Living is Easy appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Lindsey Binz Goes Treasure Hunting

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 13:40:04 +0000

I love a good antique or vintage find.
More importantly, I love the hunt.

Young House Love

It is one of the ways I like to de-stress

Estate Sales, flea markets and even garage sales can be some of the best places to find some of the most unique pieces. I love it when I find a cool piece at a next to nothing price.

Soulemama

The challenge and the unexpected is what keeps me in the game.

Some of the most interesting homes are ones that have pieces with History.
The challenge is taken to a whole new level when mixing these pieces with new furniture
and/or more modern interiors

Refinery 29

We found (and painted) a vintage mirror and vanity to pair with my clients new furniture.
We finished it off with vintage books. Another one of my Go To finds!

Lindsey Binz Home

I have had people ask me to be on the lookout for specific things.

That is not how it works for me. Due to my busy (creative) brain, I have to take it all in when I shop. If I am looking for something in particular, I might (and usually do) miss something great.

I have honed my eye over the years and gravitate toward unique, interesting pieces.

When I find something that I LOVE, I buy it (if it’s the right price) and find a place for it!

Not the other way around…

Here are some of my favorite things to find while I am out hunting and gathering.

Globes are always a great find.

They are easy to carry and usually inexpensive and can be used in a variety of ways

caseylynndesigns

Bottles are another item that are easy to transport and store and are affordable.

Like globes, bottles look best in groups.

Lindsey Binz Home

Items for kids rooms.

This is a great way to decorate shelves on a very small budget.

Most of these items can be found for under $10 each.

Lindsey Binz Home

Cutting Boards and Industrial wooden pieces look great as wall decor.

They help balance out rooms that have lots of color and atypical wall space.

Lindsey Binz Home

Mixing Old and New is something that comes with experience, but anyone can do it.
You just need a little time and a lot of patience.
Blended Interiors always look better when collected over time.
Let me know if I can help. I am always ready for a challenge!

The post Lindsey Binz Goes Treasure Hunting appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Tobi Fairley Talks Clever Kitchens

agill@athomearkansas.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 12:11:09 +0000

It’s Tobi TV Wednesday again, and today we’re sharing the next in a series of videos created by interior designer Tobi Fairley, in which she uses the home design featured in our June issue to offer advice on how to use her techniques in your own home. This video is all about how to make the best–and most beautiful–use of your kitchen space.

In a kitchen, you don’t need a ton of space to make it work for you. In fact, I like to design smaller kitchens to really test my ability to create a fabulous, functional space. Let’s look at the great kitchen of one of my favorite clients for a few tips

The post Tobi Fairley Talks Clever Kitchens appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: June Update

Tiffany Adams — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 16:54:38 +0000

Hello again and happy spring! I hope your June is off to a good start and you are enjoying lots of time in your garden and outdoor living spaces. No matter where I have lived, I have never been able to let a carport remain simply a carport. I just can’t resist the urge to convert these somewhat boring structures into exterior rooms. So, when I moved into my current house, I knew I would eventually transform the carport into a destination for outdoor entertaining. Indeed, I quickly converted it into a grilling and dining cabana where I could cook and enjoy al fresco meals. While I made the major transformation from carport to cabana shortly after moving in a couple of years ago, I recently decided to add a pop of color and a few finishing touches in preparation for a dinner party. So, I thought I would share with you how I went about creating the space. Hopefully it will inspire you to carve out a special entertaining space somewhere in your own garden. And, who knows? Together, we might just start a carport conversion movement!

To make the carport structure feel cozy and more like a “real” room, I first added curtains made from outdoor fabric. The durable panels, secured with contrasting tie-backs, give the space a resort-like feel and help set the mood for the perfect gathering.

Next, I softened the hard concrete flooring with a whimsical “rug” made of artificial turf…a sophisticated picnic touch, if you will. A generously sized outdoor table and chairs in colors that match the overall look of the cabana set the stage for a meal among friends.

For a centerpiece I simply dropped an asparagus fern into a terra cotta urn and added a bromeliad air plant for some additional interest. Talk about easy and affordable…plus, neither of these plants needs much water at all, so it is virtually carefree!

Hot pink votive holders planted with succulents brighten the scene and are just as low-maintenance as the larger centerpiece. A casual sea grass runner ties the whole ensemble together.

To continue the hot pink theme, I picked up a couple of outdoor accent pillows from Pottery Barn for the captain’s chairs. Although I like to use custom pillows when I can, this was a quick and affordable way to add some last-minute luxury!

Next to the grill, a peaceful Asian statue offers a hand towel and helpful utensils to the chef…

…and an unfurling Australian tree fern and eye-catching, dark-leafed begonias fill an empty corner.

And that’s it…with the decor in place, all we need now is a crowd!

See you next month,
dk

The post Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: June Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Tobi Fairley on Natural Light

agill@athomearkansas.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:54:27 +0000

>>To see MORE of this great Sheridan home and read the story, click here!

Do you know what one thing makes any room in your house look better? Natural light! I love to have windows that will let that sun flow into a room. Add in some neutral colors, and you can completely transform a space! Here are some tips that will help you “bring the light” into your home!

The post Tobi Fairley on Natural Light appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Waterfront Escapes

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 12:56:07 +0000

With summer in full swing, I’m dreaming about a waterfront escape: the beaches of mexico, the lakeside splendor of Hot Springs, I could go on. And of course I’ve got a million ideas for how I would decorate my waterfront abode. Most of them involve classic blue and white, lots of beautiful views and plenty of nautical-inspired accessories.

Here are a few images inspiring my aquarian fantasies as of late. Enjoy!

Design by Daniel Romualdez
Photo by Oberto Gili
Architectural Digest

Design by Kevin Walsh of Bear-Hill Interiors
Photo by Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Design by ASH NYC
Photo by Patrick Cline
Lonny

Design by Burnham Design
Photo by Tria Gioran
Coastal Living Magazine

Design by Michele Bonan
Photo by Brittany Ambridge
Domino

Design by Jeffrey Alan Marks
www.jam-design.com

Design by Anna Spiro
Halcyon House

Design by Amanda Lindroth
Photo by Bjorn Wallander
House Beautiful

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Waterfront Escapes appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Tobi Fairley on Comfort and Style

agill@athomearkansas.com — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 12:44:19 +0000

Today, we’re sharing the first in a series of videos created by interior designer Tobi Fairley, in which she uses the home design featured in our June issue to offer advice on how to use her techniques in your own home. This video is all about how to create a family room that is both comfortable AND stylish.

>>To see MORE of this great Sheridan home and read the story, click here!

Creating spaces that are full of style, but are also comfortable, can be a challenge for designers. If your home has kids and pets, that makes it doubly difficult. So what if you want style and design, but you want your family to feel at home and like they can relax and really put their feet up? Here are some tips for you!

The post Tobi Fairley on Comfort and Style appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Space…The Last Frontier

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:08:00 +0000

You’ve heard me say many times that you don’t have to keep strict boundaries between outdoors and indoors. You can bring elements inside that might otherwise be considered strictly “outside,” like plant materials or design ideas. The same idea can work outside the four walls of your house; you can create ‘rooms’ of areas that were once unused, ignored, or simply walked through. You can take a corner or any flat area of your landscape and make one–or many–rooms to enjoy. These photos are from a house where I did the plantings. Garry Mertins and Kaki Hockersmith did the interiors. What you can see is how easy it is to create rooms out of doors, and create a whole new living and entertaining area.

The best course to follow is simplicity. Arrange seating and tables at a focal point, like a fireplace, or fire pit. Another nod to simplicity: use furniture and tables that are functional and in hues that fit into the colors of your landscape.

Busy patterns and hot colors won’t be necessary because you aren’t competing with your plantings as much as you are working within them. Greens, blues, and darker colors may be better for outdoor room furnishings.

Notice how this arrangement mimics a chic angled room from the house. You haven’t reinvented the wheel, but you have rolled it outside.

Once you’ve considered basic color use and seating that is both comfortable and functional, don’t forget the design elements of texture and light. Stone is your ally, so use it wherever you can.

Ultimately it’s all about flow. If you have enough room, why not create an outdoor kitchen and adjacent seating? Your guests can stroll from room to room, chatting and drinking while enjoying the outdoor experience. A nice tall set of curtains provides shelter from the occasional rainstorm. Your guests won’t have to run for the house.

The basic rule for a party is simple: guest congregate in the kitchen when they can. A working kitchen—with all the appliances just like the one inside—makes for great use of space. It won’t be wasted, and it means you won’t have to leave your guests as you monitor the appetizers. A long table, an ample amount of seating, an expansive counter, and a backsplash add all the indoor elements for your outdoor space.

And what about nearby plantings? What should they be? I situated an herb garden just below, and used stacked stone walls of the same rock used in the outdoor rooms. The nice thing about herbs is that they aren’t fussy, and many will scent the air. Having herbs near seating and the outdoor kitchen means your guests can smell them close by, and you can stroll over to cut them for use in your dishes. The idea of convenience should never be discounted.

We live in a temperate part of the country, so we can take advantage of our weather many months of the year. Use that space between your house and yard! Create new rooms, new vistas! Make use of what you have, and think outside the house. Don’t let something like four walls limit your freedom.

It’s as simple as finding an area that will serve as your gateway to both indoors and out-, then pulling together functional seating and cooking implements, arranging them all, and inviting your guests. If you have just a tiny space between house and lawn, you can use it for great effect.

Live Life to the Fullest and never be afraid to try something new! Your home is your oasis!

~Chris

See more of this amazing outdoor space in our March 2014 issue!

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Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Room for the “Blues”

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 21 May 2015 15:37:45 +0000

With the passing of blues legend B. B. King, I’m in a space of reflection about his legacy and about the blues–even the design blues. Some of the most relaxing and sumptuous homes I have worked on tend to be built around shades of blue.

Always on trend and constantly being updated, I “fall back” to my go-to color when in doubt if an inspiration. With all the shades of teal blue and turquoise being predominant in outdoor textiles, I sometimes find it difficult to choose just one palette from which to work.

Mixing shades within a chosen hue makes the feel of your space much more interesting. Layering texture, pattern and color tones of different textiles adds to the luxurious feel of “fullness” in your designs. Let the “blues” within your spirit guide you to the ultimate comfort of your chosen design!

Kelli Wilson is the creative mind behind Kelli Wilson Consulting, now based inside Ellen Golden Antiques in Little Rock.

The post Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Room for the “Blues” appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Take Me to the Banquette, with Lindsey Binz

agill@athomearkansas.com — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:37:01 +0000

Traditional Home

Dining banquettes are a great way to add some personality and uniqueness to a home.

In addition to style, they add a level of comfort that goes beyond a typical dining chair.

I love how the curved back of this one mimics the lines of the staircase.

The tufting gives it such detail that the surrounding elements can stay clean and simple.

A built in bookcase above a custom banquette adds so much character and function.

Veranda

Young House Love

Creativity is boundless with a custom banquette.

Adding hidden storage is a bonus that everyone can use.

Evelyn Shun

Not all spaces allow for built in pieces, but you can still get the look with free standing furniture.

Architectural Digest

House Beautiful

Paloma Contreras

If you are wanting something different than your everyday dining seating, try a banquette.

They are great space savers and can bring a cozy feel to any kitchen or dining room.

The post Take Me to the Banquette, with Lindsey Binz appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: May Update

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 12 May 2015 13:23:09 +0000

Well, hello again. I hope you are having a fruitful and enjoyable spring. If you are anything like me (and my garden) you are about to wash away from all the rain! But, as they say: “April showers bring May flowers,” and…well…I suppose all these May storms will just bring that many more blossoms in June! Or, at least we can hope, right? I have been rather lucky, actually, in that I missed much of the dreary weather, having been out of town for half of the past month. Since we last saw each other, I have been traveling quite a bit, mostly for work, and I thought I would share some of my experiences of life on the road (and Outside the Box!).

I started my travels with a trip to Little Rock to give a presentation to the wonderful women of the Little Rock Garden Club. While I failed to take any pictures, I had a great time sharing with them what it means to me to Live Outside the Box, and they were so gracious to welcome me at their monthly meeting.

Next, it was on to Dallas and another group of lovely ladies: The Dallas Garden Club. I was lucky enough to attend their annual flower show with some friends. It was held in the gorgeous home and garden of one of the club’s members, and I managed to sneak a few photographs in between mimosas!

It was such a treat seeing all the special creations and visiting with all the garden-loving gals in the club.

While in Dallas, I found a fun store, Big Mango Trading Company, which imports all sorts of unique items that are great for decorating your home and garden. One of my favorites was this water garden, carved from a single piece of stone.

I also fell in love with this planter, made with real barnacles, and just had to bring it home with me. I love how it looks on the dining room table, filled with graceful orchids.

From Texas, my journey took me for the first time to Santa Fe, NM. While the gardening ‘scene’ is quite different from the lushness of Arkansas, it is beautiful nonetheless, and spring is definitely a beautiful time to be there.

From my hotel room balcony, the sweet scent of wisteria climbing over a neighboring wall greeted me each morning.

And from the vantage point of a rooftop cafe on the downtown square I could take in the beautiful mountains surrounding the town, as well as the steeple of the famed Loretto Chapel.

Nearby, an interesting fountain caught my eye as it filled the cafe with its soothing sounds.

Before leaving town after a memorable weekend, I rode out to the Santa Fe Botanical Garden to take a look. This serene sculpture greeted me at the entrance and had only just been installed that day.

The garden is very new and still very much in development. Nevertheless, there were plenty of interesting things to see. This pavilion near the entrance makes use of branches harvested from the garden to create a unique and affordable shade structure.

Just inside, a meadow garden leads to a collection of sculptures carved from huge pieces of stone.

Further down the trail, dry creek beds draw the eye to other points of interest, including an abandoned highway bridge re-purposed for use in the garden.

Along the art trail, I encountered this creature made from branches gathered from the garden. A desert scarecrow, perhaps?

Along the way, I stopped for a rest in the shade to enjoy the view from the inviting pavilions scattered throughout the garden.

All in all, Santa Fe was an absolutely thrilling experience. But, as usual, I couldn’t wait to be back at home in Arkansas where my garden greeted me with extra vigor…a result of all the life-giving rains. And, so it is with life Outside the Box!

Stay tuned next month to see what else the season has in store!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: May Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: B+W Goes Wow

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:06:14 +0000

Anyone who has been to my house or who reads my posts often knows that I love color. Pastels last month, bright reds, greens and purples every other day of the week. But I am always so intrigued by designers who manage to use the classic combo of black and white and still hold my color-infused attention span. In fact, I’ve written about this dynamic duo before (my first ever post for At Home – years ago!).

Usually making black and white super interesting means incorporating the famous neutrals with new patterns, or with splashes of color. Here I’ve rounded up the black and white rooms that have caught my eye as of late. Enjoy!

Design by Jayne Scott Hodges
Photo by Paul Costello
House Beautiful

Design by Malene Birger
Photo by Polly Wreford

Design by Mary McDonald
Photo by Melanie Acevedo
Domino Magazine

Design by Malene Birger
Photo by Brigitta Wolfgang Drejer
MOVE and WORK

Design by Nick Olsen
Photo by Reid Rolls
DomaineHome.com

Design by Stephen Shubel
StephenShubel.com

Design by Celerie Kemble
KembleInteriors.com

Design by Nick Olsen
Photo by Maura McEvoy
House Beautiful

Design by Steven Sclaroff
StevenSclaroff.com

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: B+W Goes Wow appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Permanent Petals

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 05 May 2015 12:12:24 +0000

Gardeners tend to embrace seasonal change—love it. even. With each transition comes the opportunity to change out plantings, play up design ideas, or implement new color combinations. And it’s all about renewal, which resonates with all humans. But sometimes, don’t you wish you had something to use that is a bit more long lasting? Impervious to the seasons? Here’s an idea you can incorporate into your planting scheme, and it doesn’t entail construction or site plans. Use cut flagstones to create petals in the outline of a daisy, a nice sort of punctuation to a bed, or bend in the garden path.

Decide how large you want your stone daisy, and create a template to follow to cut out the shape of petals. You’ll want to think about circumference, so petal size and count is important. I had the room, so I created a flower with six good-sized petals. You won’t have to cut out a stone for the flower center because you’ll use that area for seasonal plants.

Flagstones must be cut with a diamond blade, which you can rent, or ask the rock yard to use on flags you purchase. (Most yards or quarries will have one to cut stone.) Here is where having a template to follow for the petals will come in handy.

Because your daisy will be home to concentrated and highlighted plantings, prepare and amend the soil well. Dig deep enough to place two or three concrete blocks just beneath the surface where the petals will rest. The blocks—a crucial addition–will support your petals and keep them from sinking into the cultivated soil.

Arrange the petals with care, working to create a nice round circle that will be planted as the daisy center. Notice I overlapped the petals a bit to create depth. You’ll need to step back from time to time to check the shape of your design, and maintain that round shape for the important flower center.

Once the daisy is assembled, now comes the fun part. Plant the flower center so that it’s almost bursting, with plants selected for tight shape and good color. A mix of foliage plants and bloomers is best. Be sure to finish planting with time-release fertilizer, so you’ll have optimum color throughout the season. Plant around the edges of the daisy ‘petals,’ but not too closely. You want to be able to discern the shape of your daisy and its petals.

The year progresses, and the colors and plants and growth habits change, but you’ll have a garden resident that will outlast them all. And it’s nice to occasionally have something that will make you smile in the garden, like your stone daisy.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Permanent Petals appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

The Art Fix With Joshua Plumlee: Small Wonders

agill@athomearkansas.com — Mon, 04 May 2015 13:32:53 +0000

In my last post, I wrote about scale and everything was big, big, BIG! And I got to thinking. What about all the little guys???

Sometimes an under-scaled piece of art can potentially pack as much impact as a much larger piece. This is especially true when considering placement. For example, last month we learned that an oversized painting can add drama and glamour to an entryway and can command presence in a living area. Check out this wonderfully masculine-chic living setup by dreamboat Nate Berkus…

Architectural Digest, 2012, Design by Nate Berkus, Photo by Pieter Estersohn

That man mixes his leather and velvet like nobody’s business. I mean just LOOK at it – black leather and cognac leather in the SAME space? What??? He totally killed it. But notice how he places that large photograph over the sofa and yet to left he lets this teensy tinsy little picture just linger there. It’s all alone and yet it’s small scale and placement next to a much larger piece makes you want to run up to it, look it in the eye and punch it in the face. Genius.

And here, a small piece is given room to breathe in between a window and a set of etageres…

Elle Decor, Design by Kristen Buckingham, Photo by Simon Upton

By the way, how much do you love those brass etageres against those black walls? Is it chic and elegant, or trashy and horrible?

And remember, art doesn’t have to live on the walls. It can also serve as brilliant table-top accessory and bookshelf stuffery. Jot that down on a cocktail napkin, why don’t you.

Look at how a pair of miniature etchings, framed and paired on a bookshelf make a perfect foil to hand-turned pottery and wide-spined books…

One Kings Lane, Design by Susan Feldman and Alex Reid, Photo by Nicole LaMotte

And don’t forget about table-topping. In this vignette, smaller pieces of art make an unusual contribution to a wonderfully eclectic grouping.

Architectural Digest, Design by Jeffrey Bilhuber, Photo by William Waldron

So go–right now–and find a teeny tiny painting or a little bitty piece of sculpture and buy it. Do it.

But remember, don’t go TOO small. Much too small…

The post The Art Fix With Joshua Plumlee: Small Wonders appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy in Your Home, with Andrea Brooks

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:11:17 +0000

Have you ever wondered why when there’s a little tension in a relationship it can actually be a good thing? It adds interest and depth and a touch of the unexpected. It grabs your attention and leaves you wanting more. It can also be that natural balance of feminine and masculine energy. In my experience, the same rule applies to interiors! You want to keep a good balance of the Yin and the Yang—but the question is: How? What primary characteristics should you be looking for in your various design elements? What details are the most important to include when merging masculine and feminine?

I’ll use one particular home design to illustrate my points. In this particular family the husband has long been “outnumbered” by his wife and two daughters, but I’ll show you why he still feels right at home in his own home.

Photography: Nancy Nolan

In the master bedroom, I’ve balanced the more feminine, softer blues and yellows with the masculine, darker wood of the nightstands and curtain hardware. The rough texture of the concrete side table is counterbalanced by a flirty floral arrangement. Even the more masculine lines of the Neoclassical lamp pair just perfectly with the soft blue/gray color. The textured modern art piece also has a more masculine energy. I added in a vintage, pink-and-linen pillow to add a little something unexpected and to keep the room from being a little “too” perfectly matched.

Photography: Nancy Nolan

The deep, regal purple upholstery juxtaposed with the intricately carved bench and the hand-painted Chinoiserie textile keep this vignette fresh.

Photography: Nancy Nolan

The color blush is making a huge splash at all the latest design-industry markets. Though this bedroom reads very pink, I’ve actually layered texture and color to bring balance: the curtains are a linen/cotton blend in blush; the velvet bed pillows are a deep, manly oxblood; the animal print throw introduces even more texture and subtle masculinity, as does the Celtic quatrefoil design of the poster bed. The overall look is still very feminine but not sugary sweet.

Photography: Nancy Nolan

The strength of navy blue, along with the wide stripes and scale of the bolster pillow, balance the Damask pattern on the headboard and the floral watercolor painting above the bed. I love everything in this mix of the modern print in greens and blues above the lavender desk with studly brass accents and guilded vintage vanity chair.

Photography: Nancy Nolan

The hard edges of the octagonal dining chairs, the overscaled modern art, and the boxy lampshades, contrast with the pink Chinoiserie lamps and the graceful glass chandelier. Again, bringing in the dark wood dining table. Also, even though the wall color reads an ethereal blue – it is a more toned-down version than you would think of compared to a sky blue.

Photography: Nancy Nolan

The straight lines of the brass barstools and the over-scaled, hammered texture in the lighting contrast with the orchid upholstery and fanciful, floral window treatments.

Photography: Nancy Nolan

In the living room, the drapes are made of wide stripes of navy and off-white, and the repetition of the octagonal shape fretwork, backed with antiqued mirror in the built-in.

Now that I’ve given you examples of how to create this balance between the masculine and feminine, do you think it’s something you would want to attempt to bring to your own home? Why or why not? Can you find more examples in these pictures than what I’ve described?

–Andrea

To tour the rest of this lovely home, see the feature in our April issue. To learn more about Andrea and her work, contac Andrea Brooks, Andrea Brooks Interiors, El Dorado, andreabrooksinteriors.com.

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Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Spa Blue Heaven

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:52:11 +0000

By the end of the day, do you want to just relax and totally transform your spirit? In this master suite, my client and I used a serene blue color palette to transform their bedroom into a spa-like sanctuary. We started by designing a master bathroom that envelopes them with luxury.

We selected a white custom subway tile with accents of roped trim with terra cotta marble counter tops. With a free-standing soaking tub centered diagonally in front of a open style walk in shower, we added drama with a large fireplace and hearth to cozy up to after languishing in the tub. Custom closetry on each side house his-and-hers built-ins. There is a laundry room tucked away behind the closets for convenience. This intimate area flows easily into the sleeping and sitting areas that we dressed out in custom drapery and bedding from F Schumacher.

We built on the spa feel by incorporating the spa blues along with creamy white linen sheers. Antique Turkish rugs in the same tones flowed with the tones of blue used in the textiles to unify the dressing of this room. All in all this was one of the most sumptuous master suites I have ever had the pleasure of designing.

Kelli Wilson is the creative mind behind Kelli Wilson Consulting, based in Little Rock.

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Providence Design: It’s Spring and Time to Get Outside!

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 07:05:27 +0000

Spring is our very favorite season…We are so ready to get out and dig in the dirt and enjoy the sunshine after being cooped up all winter! We love helping our clients plan outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and useful.

Herbs are so fun to plant, and they give instant gratification in this kitchen cutting garden…

It’s time to clean out those fountains and plant annuals you’ll enjoy all season long. We like to plant in the ground where the sprinkler can take care of them and also in pots, which lets us layer and achieve different heights. You can also move the pots around to different locations when entertaining.

One of our very favorite spaces to decorate is a cozy porch…Great for relaxing with family or entertaining with friends…

We love, love screened in porches. We did this one several years go and it’s still our clients’ favorite spot in their home…

Love a fireplace on the porch too…makes everything cozy and beautiful year round…

We like to mix materials and furnishings on outdoor porches just like we do inside the home. But remember: less can be better or the space can become cluttered looking. This little courtyard is perfectly manicured and well appointed. A great spot to enjoy morning coffee…

Always edit…But no reason to skimp on great details like this awesome old concrete statue or the antique iron balcony console with the concrete top…

We furnished the porch off an upstairs master bedroom in Fayetteville in a fresh palette of blue and white. A perfect spot to sit and watch the neighbors stroll by.

Slip covers can be wonderful used outside…We use them all the time. So easy to throw them in the washer to keep clean.

Outdoor entertaining is what Spring is all about…Every detail for this party was planned to perfection. Notice how well the bright colors coordinate and pop off the neutral background. And again we have mixed lots of different textures for interest.

Set aside a weekend to do some outdoor cleaning and planting…Make a list of a few fresh additions like pillows, lanterns, or garden statuary…When you have pulled it all together… throw something on the grill and invite a few friends over…That’s just a good time waiting to happen.

It’s your turn. Let’s talk!

Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.

The post Providence Design: It’s Spring and Time to Get Outside! appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: April Update

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:09:30 +0000

Hello, and happy April! Well, it has already been a busy spring here at the Outside the Box House! As you would expect, flowers and plants are popping up everywhere in the garden, and it is a lovely sight!

The tulips are in full swing. I planted a mixture of three white varieties: one early-, one mid-, and one late-blooming, so the show lasts three times as long as a single variety. The first wave has been great, and I can’t wait to see the next two!

In fact, everything has seemed to be blooming at once and came together perfectly for one of this month’s highlights: a garden tour and lunch by the ladies of the Evergreen Garden Club of Little Rock.

Even as the tulips exploded, the daffodils were still in full force, and the dogwoods had just begun to open.

The dogwoods were so lovely that we took some of the branches inside to create a dramatic display on the dining room table.

Elsewhere throughout the house, we made several gorgeous arrangements from various spring flowers gathered and given to me by a friend. Their natural beauty was the perfect way to bring the feeling of spring indoors!

The bath got an arrangement of its own, made from delicate soaps, perfectly molded into realistic leaves.

Back outside, in the courtyard, the ladies and I lunched on delicious boxed meals from Bouchée, a wonderful bistro located on the Downtown Fayetteville Square.

More spring branches and hurricanes converted into terrariums by adding Maiden Hair Ferns adorned the tables.

The weather was perfect, although a tad bit breezy, and the ‘Snowdrift’ Crabapple trees in the fountain garden lived up to their name, showering the whole courtyard with tiny, white petals!

It was a beautiful, fun day, and it was a pleasure spending it with such a wonderful group of fellow garden lovers. I hope you are enjoying this spring, as well, and have the opportunity to get out and Live Outside the Box! See you next month!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: April Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Feminine Flair

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:40:48 +0000

Springtime always seems to inspire me to bring out the more feminine, girly side of my decorating persona. And when I saw the latest issue of At Home, it fit that mood perfectly. The home featured on the cover is the perfect picture of subtle femininity — sophisticated and ladylike without overdoing it. It doesn’t hurt that one of my best friends lives there. The pretty pastels used in the space have me thinking of pinks, purples and light blues for Spring.

Home of Eliza and Alec Gaines, Designed by Susan Walsh
Photo by Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Design and photo from Florence de Dampierre
House Beautiful

Design by Schuyler Samperton
Photo from Samperton.com

Design by Kemble Interiors
Photo by Claiborne Swanson Frank
Vogue

Design by Jamie Meares
Photo from Furbish Studio

Design by Nick Olsen
Photo by Brittany Ambridge
Domino Magazine

Design by John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon
Photo by Patrick Cline
Lonny Magazine

Design by Kit Kemp
Photo by Simon Brown
Featured in Kit Kemp: A Living Space

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Feminine Flair appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Shelve Your Life

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:13:36 +0000

We all want our houses, yards, and work spaces to evoke our personalities and to highlight our interests and energies, right? But I think we may spend so much time paying attention to the big items, that we sometimes forget the key to energizing—and personalizing—those areas may literally be in the small stuff.

A great way to infuse your home with real warmth might just be stacked right in front of you: your bookshelves. Instead of lining up best sellers and that old set of World Books in dust-catching formal rows, occasionally punctuated with a formal photograph, why not jazz it up? Add some light, color, small art objects, and yes, the occasional book, to create a sensational view of who you are at a glance.

It’s actually quite simple; make each shelf a little world of its own, by incorporating what you already have. You’ll want unifying elements for every shelf, such as candid group photos, unusual books, or at least books with interesting covers, found objects, little art pieces, and one or two colors you really love, which can be found in ceramic pieces or vases. By using the same sort of item in each shelf, you make it all look that much more important, even though the pieces you use are pretty small, and maybe not especially noteworthy by themselves.

But when used together, and in just a few shelves, they rev up your room and brim with warmth and personality.

Utilize photographs with settings and activities that are informal, ironic, or just plain fun, instead of showing formally posed subjects. Translation: if it’s a photo from Olan Mills or Sears Portrait Studio, you probably don’t want to use it.

Look around your house for small, insignificant pieces of art, crafted items, things you’ve picked up on vacation. And don’t forget unusual found objects. Each one can be a focal point for a shelf. I bet as you pick them up and place them on shelves the fond memories of the trip or purchase will come back to you, and these little artistic finds will become that much more special, that much more personal and vibrant.

Look at your books as sources of interest, and not just to read. This time, think about how that book can be used as something artful or interesting on a shelf. Old books, parts of antiquated sets, hand-me-down volumes, unusual titles, covers, or typeset are what you should look for. And you’re not going to line them up platoon-style, either. Lean, tip, stack, prop. Position your volume any way except the way it was lined up on the shelf before. And don’t forget a book can make a great riser for a little art piece or candle.

Find a single color or pair of contrasting colors to use in what you already have, such as vases, ceramic pieces, pottery, and maybe something you’ve put away and forgotten about. And don’t forget geological possibilities, either. That little fossil, crystal, geode, or even a lowly—but unusual–rock you picked up can make a powerful statement on a shelf, when placed along with a photo, book, candle, or other small object.

Don’t forget your decorating trinity; three objects make for the best design. And carry out your theme on each shelf. When you finish, step back and gauge your work. Does each shelf ‘pop’? When looked at as one piece, do your shelves all of a sudden make a statement? The same shelves that just a short while ago did little more than act as ordinary storage? If you can answer ‘yes,’ then I’ve done my duty. You now have another unexpected source of personality, color, and design, a place for your friends to admire and enjoy when they visit.

**ENTER TO WIN a chance to have Chris H. Olsen give your home a Curb Appeal Makeover this spring! For details, CLICK HERE.**

The post Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Shelve Your Life appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Textiles à la Tara

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 04:11:17 +0000

Last month I took you inside the luxurious plantation home of my present client. We discussed the drawing room and how we “grew” the view by installing draperies in a way to frame the windows.

In the main entrance, or grand hall—which leads to the living quarters—we accented the height of the ceilings by installing coffered copper ceiling tiles with a custom crown molding, also from copper. We added faux-finished library panels in a copper paint and installed a sensuous silk Damask by Lee Jofa within the framework. Then, using the same damask fabric, we balanced the entrance on the opposite end of the grand hall by using it on a custom drapery treatment installed directly below the copper crown molding. I wanted to add some depth to the draperies so I lined them with a complimentary silk stripe and added two bands of coordinating trim down the lead edge of the triple widths of fabric. I also added the banding across the bottom of the valance treatment above the doorway.

We added another layer of textiles by using a striped silk by Ralph Lauren on the walls above the chair railing down the main hall. Below the chair rail, we applied an over-scaled Damask wallpaper by Osborne and Little.

With such a lush variety of textures, textiles, and patterns coming together in one area you truly do create that feel of plantation living…à la Tara! More textile talk coming next month!

Kelli Wilson is the creative mind behind Kelli Wilson Consulting, based in Little Rock.

The post Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Textiles à la Tara appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Lindsey Binz Goes Green

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 02:17:35 +0000

Pinch Me, It’s March! Spring is ALMOST here. YAY

Other than Madness, this month, I think of the color green!

As in grass, trees, shamrocks and… Rooms!

Yes, I am so over brown and ready for some new growth and bright colors.

It seems like just yesterday that Emerald was the color of the year.
Maybe because it is still very much on the scene, and for good reason.
“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

Mixing small amounts of various shades of green can liven up even the most neutral spaces.

Kay Douglass Design

Something a little more bold, like a green sofa, is perfect for an eclectic home.

Devon Dyer

Green window panels would be the perfect amount of green to give a room a glamorous feel.

Veranda

Bringing the outdoors in is another way to incorporate green.
In this space I designed a few years back, I covered the floor in astro turf. It was perfect for the durability and comfort of a kids play room. It’s very easy and inexpensive too!

Lindsey Binz Home

The kitchen is always a great place to add some green.

Here we used glass tiles behind the range to accent my clients decor and hand painted island.

Some of my favorite green items that I would love to see in my home, or a clients!

1 Ro Sham Beaux, 2 Vintage Le Corbusier , 3 Bassett Furniture Fabric, 4 Surya Rug
Happy (almost) Spring!!!

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company,
a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s).
If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too!
Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

The post Lindsey Binz Goes Green appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Mirrored Walls

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 01:32:03 +0000

I recently moved into my first home as buyer, not a renter. This has obviously brought on a flurry of decorating ideas that were never allowed in my previous abodes and has resulted in a few bold choices. One of the existing quirks of my new digs (and trust me, there are plenty) is a mirrored wall in the dining room. My first reaction was repulsion but now I am kind of crazy about it. And of course more and more mirrored walls are popping up in my inspiration files these days. It makes the room larger, more glamorous and fills it with so much light. But layering is key: paintings, furniture, smaller mirrors all look fabulous in front of a mirrored wall and have the ability to tone down the 80s-ness of it all. Here are a few of my recent favorites.

Design by Hugo Guinness and Elliott Puckette | Photo by Vogue Living

Design by Peter Dunham | Photo by Max Kim-Bee | Veranda

Design by Design Services of Florida | Photo by Rett Peek | At Home in Arkansas

Design by Chloe Sevigny | Photo by Francois Alard | House and Garden

Design by Adrienne Vittadini | Photo by Melanie Acevedo | Veranda

Photo by Michael Eastman

Design by Lisa Fine | Photo by Simon Upton | Elle Decor

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Mirrored Walls appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Three Summer Garden Stalwarts

agill@athomearkansas.com — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 01:21:15 +0000

Yes, you read the word ‘summer’ in my title. It may be a bit chilly outside and you’re currently hearing the steady tink of sleet against your window, now’s the time to start thinking about your summer color. I have three plant suggestions for you that will fill up your flowerbeds, provide bountiful show, and require only a bit of maintenance. They are Rudbeckia, also known as Black-Eyed Susan; ‘Knock Out’ roses in a cherry, cheery pink; ‘Limelight’ hydrangea, which provides an icy color contrast to the first two members of this hardy triumvirate. And, as we all know, three is the best number in terms of design.

I recommend these bloomers also for three reasons; color, texture, stamina. But you’ll like them for three other reasons: low maintenance, contrasting hues, and their ability to fill in any place you put them.

Rudbeckia has been around for a long time, but is just now getting the respect it deserves. You’ll find it in both annual and perennial varieties, and it can be depended upon to perform when everything else has grown too weary of the heat. I’m talking as much as six months of color, depending on the hybrid you select. It even comes in a dwarf variety, called—of course—‘Little Rudbeckia.’ And you can be forgiven if you still refer to it the way you did as a kid, ‘black-eyed susan.’

Rose hybridizers have been hard at work for years on a bush that will bloom in many conditions, thrive in neglect, and bloom for an extended time. The ‘Knock Out’ series does all that. The color I like is the hot pink one, and it doesn’t fade, like other bloomers will in scalding sun. And it contrasts perfectly with the gold of rudbeckia. It won’t grow tall and rangy like typical roses, either. Which means you can put it behind your rudbeckia and be confident that it will know and keep its place. And you won’t grow tired of the color, either. Even if you’re not a pink person, the bloom color has a liveliness you’ll enjoy.

Finally comes the glamorous member of the team, ‘Limelight’ hydrangea. This mid-summer bloomer is not the blue mophead you may be thinking about, but rather, is its aristocratic cousin, with blossoms in a sherbet shade of chartreuse. The blooms are erect in the summer breeze and the plants won’t flag in the heat the way mop head hydrangeas do. Plus, all you have to do is prune them back in late winter or early spring for large reliable bloom cover every year. And, rather than plant a third hot color, you’ve injected a bit of cool into your planting.

Place your ‘Limelight’ at the back of the border, so it can nod and gaze out over rudbeckia and ‘Knock Out’ roses.

And note how these three fit well into beds and against the backdrop of any style house. Lovely in masses, too.

Their height arrangement seems flowing and natural and there’s no real point of one plant leaving off, and another taking its place. Their growth habits mean they mingle well.

The Rudbeckia are masters at reaching for the sun, and finding all the spaces to fill. They thrust over foundation plantings and provide real energy to summer beds.

These three really will fill in wherever they’re placed, and fit in not only with each other, but any neighboring plants as well.

They aren’t expensive, delicate, or fussy. But these three will give you the show you want, and won‘t play out before the season ends. What else could you ask for? Unless you require them to feed and water themselves, they’ll do everything you want and more.

Live Life to the Fullest!

**ENTER TO WIN a chance to have Chris H. Olsen give your home a Curb Appeal Makeover this spring! For details, CLICK HERE.**

The post Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Three Summer Garden Stalwarts appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: Scale Matters

agill@athomearkansas.com — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 01:07:41 +0000

(Architectural Digest March 2014, design by Sandy Gallin)

Large scale art—pieces sized anywhere from 4ft x 4ft on up to 6ft x 6ft and bigger. The bigger, the better. Big, big, BIG! (Size does matter in this case.) Scale is equally as important to a room as textile and color—maybe even more so. Maybe scale is the single most important factor governing a successful room design. Maybe. But more on what I think makes a room successful later.

Back to art. BIG. ART.

Place an over-scaled piece in an entryway and instantly you will signal drama and excitement. Or in a living room to establish conversational interest. Or in an intimate space, such as a bedroom or private study for an enveloping sense of glamour and solidarity.

Here’s how I look at art…

Mankind needs an arena in which it’s safe to loose oneself. Art is that arena. We all need an environment in which we can feel safe in stepping out and away from the everyday, from the mundane. Art in the home helps us lean a little bit closer to inspiration and all that is beautiful. Wonderful art has the capacity to transcend the everyday and carry the viewer somewhere more extraordinary. And this factor is compounded by introducing large-scale works into a space.

Art is a lifestyle. It is for sure my lifestyle. Collecting and surrounding myself with artworks. Someone once used the word “custodian” in regards to how I treat my home and its collection of art. And it’s true. Somehow I feel safe knowing that at the end of the day, I can come and be surrounded by beautiful things that I love. Oh, and also my family and friends. But they’re not as important. Stuff is more important.

Anyway, what I’m talking about here is somewhat philosophical but not impractical. So let’s get into the meat of it – the fun part! Take a look at some these spaces, made all the more impactful thanks to the inclusion of large-scale artworks…

(design by Coddington Design, photo by Matthew Millman)

Notice how the furnishings are relatively normal in proportion to the rooms, however, the artworks command attention due to their size. Try to imagine these rooms with much smaller pieces and that commanding authority is lost.

(image source unknown)

(Robert Brown Interior Design)

(from Collected Cool by Jay Jeffers, photo by Matthew Millman)

I’ve written previous blog posts on gallery wall installations, tightly connected groupings of smaller pieces, even a post on what I dubbed “humble art,” or artwork that you might find in a flea market or even DIY. And all of this has a valuable place in the home. But basically what I’m saying is that each home should have at least one large-scale piece of work, whether you buy it from a fancy gallery or make it yourself. Proportionality and scale—and having fun with those elements in regards to your art placement—is key to elevating any space.

Check out this Manhattan apartment by designer-genius Steven Gambrel…

(Architectural Digest Feb 2015, design by Steve Gambrel)

Notice how that single large painting forces you to look at it. It’s like, “look at me, look at ME!” And yet, while its color and energy provide a sophisticated, nuanced foil to the otherwise balanced tonal palette of the room, it’s largely the proportion that makes such a statement. Check it out again in classy black-and-white…

It still packs a punch. And how great is that teeny-tiny painting on the other side of the window??! It makes me grin it’s so good.

That painting by the way is the work of Cecily Brown, an amazing New York-based artist. She carries on the tradition of the Abstract Expressionist master Willem de Kooning, currently an unhealthy obsession of mine. I’m obsessed in the sense that I cry a little bit everyday over how I can’t afford his work. He’s dead, so pretty much each of his paintings is worth about a trillion gazillion dollars. Note: after you die, your work is MUCH more valuable. Write that down.

Anyways. De Kooning. Look him up. Buy a book. If you haven’t, you need to. If you’re not interested, then you should be. And if you’re still not into his work, then shame on you.

Here is a foyer, very traditional in look, but instantly energized and made current by introducing a lyrical, expressive work by de Kooning. We won’t talk about how much I want to sneak into that apartment and steal that painting and then try and run away with it tucked under my arm. But again, notice how its scale is at once arresting, unexpected and still completely composed and curated. Brilliant.

(Vanity Fair 2010, photo: Jonathan Becker)

That’s about it for now. But take another look at some more spaces with wonderfully over-scaled artwork. Notice how the proportion of the art somehow manages to be both center-stage and also complement the rooms’ furnishings. Melts my heart. Cheers!

Active in the Little Rock design scene since 2006, Joshua Plumlee is passionate about reimagining elegant interiors with a focus on original artwork and an unconventional approach to luxurious style.

The post The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: Scale Matters appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Plantation Paradise

agill@athomearkansas.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:53:50 +0000

I consider myself very fortunate for the opportunity to work with clients that appreciate and understand the importance of textiles in a design project. I have been working with such a client for the last nine months to recreate the beauty and grandeur of her family’s 150-year-old plantation home.

We started with a concept that was worked around a custom wool carpet in the Drawing room in a very soft sage green. The carpet was in excellent condition so we simply “wrapped” the room in a custom paint color of the same hue. We painted trim, bookshelves, and ceiling with tones of this green to make a luxurious palette from which to build.

We then found a FABULOUS silk damask by the GREAT Oscar de la Renta for Lee Jofa in a deep teal color with an embroidered design of a semi-traditional, over-scaled pattern. This was to be our jumping off point to create beautiful window treatments that we would install 12″ above the actual window height to give the appearance of larger more prominent views. From there we simply added luxury by layering patterns and textures to complete the “Gone with the Wind” feel. We discussed that by pulling the draperies all the way to below the crown molding and adding a beautifully crafted top treatment the windows became our main point of visual interest. We billowed the fullness of draperies by using three widths of fabric per panel and added drama with a 3″ puddle. All of the textiles we used in this drawing room were painstakingly thought through, so as to build on the luxury of the space.

Stay tuned next month for more on this project!

Kelli Wilson is the creative mind behind Kelli Wilson Consulting, based in Little Rock.

The post Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Plantation Paradise appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Lindsey Binz Loves Red Hot Home Decor

ark_admin — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 08:42:59 +0000

In honor of Valentine’s Day this week,

I have put together some of my favorite festive finds

that would look amazing all year long!

Lindsey Binz Home

(Rug- Surya, Pendant -Mr. Brown Home, Settee -1dibs, Art Made by Emily Green)

Everyone needs a Heart Glitter Pillow

Society 6

Who wouldn’t want a red over dyed Turkish Runner for their floors???

Nuloom

This red and white geometric wallpaper is perfect in this powder room

PHOTO: Arturo Zavala Haag for Architectural Digest España

Textured tiles are really on trend right now.

I love the mixture of the red with black grout.

London Brick Co

Don’t be afraid to go bold

Lindsey Binz Home

If painting walls red is too much for you,

feather wall art is a fun way to add a little bit to your space

One Kings Lane

Last but not least

These Lips

Original Painting by Arkansas Local Artist

Lauren Meredith

To see more of her art visit her Facebook Page

facebook.com/lmeredithart

Lauren Meredith Art

XOXO

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company,

a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s).

If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too!

Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

The post Lindsey Binz Loves Red Hot Home Decor appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Mark Your Calendar: 24th Annual Arkansas Flower and Garden Show

ark_admin — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 08:51:37 +0000

Spring is quickly approaching, and–if you’re like us–you’re happily anticipating being outside enjoying your garden, deck, or patio in the warmer weather. On February 20-22, the Statehouse Convention Center, in Little Rock, will play host to a gardener’s dream weekend that is sure to inspire you. Featuring speaker presentations, display gardens, how-to demonstrations, silent auctions, floral competitions, shopping, and more, the event is a perfect way to prepare for spring. Don’t miss family day on Sunday, which includes special activities and workshops for children. Tickets, $10; 3-day pass, $15; Children 12 and under, free. To learn more, call (501) 821-4000, or visit the show website at argardenshow.com

The post Mark Your Calendar: 24th Annual Arkansas Flower and Garden Show appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: February Update

ark_admin — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:05:52 +0000

Hello again; I hope you are having a fantastic February! Although February can be a pretty slow month when it comes to your garden and outdoor living spaces, it is a great time to organize your thoughts, make plans and get inspired for the upcoming spring. To that end, I thought I would share some more photographs from my visit this past summer to Charleston, South Carolina. While there, I took a day trip out to Middleton Place, one of the many historic properties in the area. Middleton place was first settled in the late 17th century and encompasses our nation’s oldest landscaped gardens. The estate has remained under the control of the same family for some 320 years and is well worth a visit! The formerly grand main house was burned during the Civil War. This is the principle structure still standing today…one of two accessory dwellings that flanked the main residence. It is filled with historic artifacts and antiques, and as you can see, is surrounded by wonderful, old trees and plantings. This pile of rubble is all that remains of the old main house. A reminder of a dark chapter in America’s history, it is a bit eerie, but also a moving link to our historical past. Another link to the past is this massive tree base. As someone who loves driftwood and the like, I was captivated by its sculptural qualities, and it is fun to imagine it in its former glory, shading the house with its massive branches. As you approach the house, you pass through this charming garden gate. I love gates and try to incorporate them into designs as much as possible. They are an easy and attractive way to create a sense of arrival and coziness in a garden space. This gate, painted in traditional Charleston green, is visually light and airy and gives the path beyond an intriguing, mysterious appeal. Nearby, this bench is nestled against a centuries-old brick wall. Garden benches are another of my favorite design elements, as they can transform just about any spot into a relaxing destination. The low wall is also a noteworthy design tool. Here, it divides a large lawn from a shady pleasure path, giving both areas a sense of definition and purpose. I just love garden ornaments, so I couldn’t resist the remains of this old urn. It presides over the grand lawn that sweeps past twin lakes, known as the Butterfly Lakes because their design was modeled after the wings of a butterfly. Ornaments, such as urns, sculpture and statuary, offer appealing contrast value to natural plantings and are essential additions to any garden or outdoor space. The Butterfly Lakes also frame a stunning view of the Ashley River, which actually served as the primary mode of transportation to Middleton Place back in the day. So, what you see here was basically the outdoor reception hall! Not bad, huh? The precise alignment of this vista with the bend in the river was a deliberate design decision and exemplifies the expert skill and care that was employed in laying out the property. Having a well-designed plan always pays off! Another garden ornament, this sundial joins a glorious Live Oak in stealing the show in one of the formal garden rooms featuring geometrically arranged paths and clipped boxwood hedging. While you may not be able to recreate the shelter of this unbelievable oak tree, this is also another good example of how a simple garden bench can turn a forgotten corner into a place to stop and smell the roses. The lawn in this garden room may be a little worse for the wear, but the combination of a strong, deliberate design, structured evergreen plantings and central ornamentation makes for a great example of what I call a winter-worthy garden. A well-designed garden should be appealing throughout all four seasons, and winter is the perfect time for assessing the worthiness of a particular space. Even covered in snow, the value of the pathways, hedging and birdbath in this garden could still be appreciated. This is a view across the Rice Mill Pond with the mill, itself, in the distance. The pond is and was a source of irrigation for the gardens of Middleton Place and is a beautiful setting for a garden stroll. A pump house near the Rice Mill Pond is nestled among towering oaks dripping in mood-setting Spanish moss. This marble statue serves as a focal point at the termination of this garden path. Framed by hedges, it is another good example of the value of properly placed garden ornaments. Well there you have it…my version of a garden tour at Middleton Place. I strongly encourage you to experience the real deal, if you are able. Or, at least check out their website to learn more about this enchanting piece of southern history and to garner more inspiration for your own springtime gardening projects!

To see the progress at the “Out of the Box House,” read Daniel Keeley’s past updates!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: February Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Chic Ceilings

ark_admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 09:56:15 +0000

In designing a room, it’s so easy to overlook one element that can make a huge impact: the ceiling. Every time I see a wallpapered, striped, or lacquered ceiling my heart skips a beat and I can’t help but feel impressed. From the whimsical to the completely sophisticated, I wanted to round up my favorite rooms with that wow factor from the top. What do you think about a fancy ceiling??

Design by Mario Buatta
Photo by Scott Frances
Architectural Digest

Design by Ashley Childers
Photo by Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Mark D. Sikes
Photo by Roger Davies
Veranda Magazine

Design by Barbara Ostrom Associates
Photo by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Design by Thomas Britt
Photo by Roger Davies
Architectural Digest

Design by Miles Redd
Photo by William Waldron
Elle Decor

Design and Photo by Bailey McCarthy
Peppermint Bliss

Garden Variety Design
House Beautiful

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Chic Ceilings appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Make the Most of Your Hardscapes

ark_admin — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 10:30:58 +0000

Many landscape designs incorporate ‘hardscapes,’ a term that means just what it says: retaining walls, terraces, patios, concrete, rock, and stone—all ‘hard.’ Exterior walls can define spaces, create outdoor rooms, retain slopes, and become lovely extensions of the house itself. Because they can be interesting additions to many landscapes, you should consider them to be not just functional, but also an addition that can make your yard more appealing.

These keystone block walls are actually a replacement for a retaining system of railroad ties that had deteriorated and decayed over the years. Railroad ties are perfect for performing the function: they hold back the soil. But they can’t curve, or loop. In nature there are no straight lines, so railroad ties aren’t always the best choice if you want your walls to be a natural element in your design.

The pairing of slab steps and rock walls gives a bit of serenity and even lightness, even though they are stone. Stone walls are still functional, but are more natural, and can be a reflection of your own personal style.

Walls don’t just retain an upper level; they also can create additional space, as well as define another. It’s like adding an addition to your house. When the walls intersect the ground above, you have an opportunity to create another flowerbed, or sitting area. This area of the yard is no longer just a slope for grass alone. And using keystone walls also means you can create a rounded-out area to showcase and accommodate a unique plant, large piece of glazed pottery, or a sculpture. You can relieve the monotony of a straight wall with just such a design factor. Railroad ties would never permit this kind of serendipity.

Stone walls are wonderful for terraces and patios because they aren’t dark or even heavy. An added benefit to erecting them is that you can delineate shade gardens from sun, and feature your favorite seasonal color. Use of stone walls also means that if you hang a light fixture, it’s as if you already have a room that, in turn, needs to be lit.

By having the walls level off and create more space, you also will be able to put your plantings even closer to eye level. If you have a corner, or small space, use of walls means two display areas—one above, one below–which means creating another dimension to your plantings. Translation: Your plantings will look full and lush, and you’ve made optimum use of limited space.

And isn’t there something serene and comforting about stone slab steps? These look as if they were carved out by nature, not lifted from a quarry.

Finally, stone provides texture, which can be a good counterpoint to greenery or even smooth concrete. The nooks and crannies can be home to mosses and even the occasional lizard. Your walls become part of the landscape, not just something to keep it at bay. Using stone won’t make you a rock star, but it will make your landscape so inviting that you’ll want to spend more time in it, and savor the seasons.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Make the Most of Your Hardscapes appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Southern Living with Providence Design

ark_admin — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:18:02 +0000

[image credit: http://houseplans.southernliving.com]

It’s 2015 which means the clock is ticking away closer and closer to the opening of the Southern Living Idea House! We couldn’t be more excited that Providence Design was chosen as the design team for this new construction project that opens April 23rd. This nearly 4,000 square foot home sits in the Waterview subdivision in Roland, with an amazing view! We are working closely with the five builders on this job to pull it all together. We really want this house to be a beautiful family home, while still bringing fresh, current ideas to the table.

The overall cottage style of the home is comfortable. We’ll play on this by using a very neutral, light design aesthetic, incorporating creams, blues and gray tones, while adding textures to add warmth. We purchased some fabulous pieces while at Market earlier this month that fit the style of this home but will give it that edge that you expect with an idea house. Using what we found at Market as well as pieces from our store, new and old will pull together the whole look.

One of our goals is to have this house feel like a home, to look like an actual lived in home, not staged. We achieve this with an “undecorated-decorated” look that creates pretty spaces that are equally functional. Below are some of our inspiration photos that we plan to spring off of for the look of the house.

[photo credit: http://rsassoc.com]

[photo credit: http://www.michael-abraham.com/Publications/GentileLuxeOctober2013.pdf]

[photo credit: http://rsassoc.com/project/montecito/]

How cool are the black windows? We just love how they add to the look of the space.

We are really loving the lighter tones with this home, especially the floor! It has just recently been installed, and below you can see it with some of the paint options!

Outside there is a wrap around porch with a fireplace, which we are so excited about. What a fabulous place to enjoy the view year round! There is also a covered deck in the back.

[image credit: http://houseplans.southernliving.com/plans/SL1561]

Inside there is a formal dining room with a butler’s pantry that leads to the open kitchen and casual living space. So far we plan to use white marble, shaker-style cabinetry and polished nickel and chrome hardware. The master suite features his and hers closets, a coffee bar and a large bath.

We just love the way this home is progressing along that we want to move right in. We cannot wait to share more details along the way, as well as the final project opening on April 23rd!

Are you as excited as we are?

It’s your turn. Let’s talk.

Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.

The post Southern Living with Providence Design appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Get Real…Estate: 5 Top Tips for Putting Your House on the Market

ark_admin — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 13:31:54 +0000

What are the top priorities (all of equal importance) to do when putting your house on the market???

QuoteHD

This post is based on my opinion and experience as a Real Estate Broker and Interior Designer.

Over the past 8 years, I have seen houses in most of the

neighborhoods in Little Rock and surrounding areas.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Aside from Location, Location, Location- and of course geographical aspects

(some things you can’t change)

San Diego Reader

I have learned that the real estate market is a Price War and Beauty Contest…

with Beauty weighing in heavily!

(these things you can change)

Lindsey Binz Home

First of all, you MUST price your house to Sell

There really are no exceptions to this rule…

Lindsey Binz Home

I cannot stress enough how important well thought out space planning is

when it comes to selling your home.

Decor Mentor

Lindsey Binz Home

Space planning blocks out interior spatial areas, defines circulation patterns, and develops plans and layouts for furniture and equipment placement.

You might need to hire an experienced design professional to do this for you.

Some architectural changes might even be necessary if this was done poorly during construction.

richardheathcote

Up to date finishes are very important if you want to price your home at the high end of the market.

Again, hiring a professional can be a very good idea when remodeling/redecorating.

Hanstone Quartz

Marble of the World

I have seen way too many “updated” homes

that were done in such bad taste that it did more harm than good. So please be careful when choosing your finishes. Try to stick with neutrals to appeal to a larger group of people.

Lindsey Binz Home

However, sometimes there is just not enough time to do updates prior to listing.

If that is the case, you need to adjust your listing price accordingly.

Zazzle

An experienced Real Estate agent should be able to give you the correct list price to get your home sold, if they have done their homework!

If they tell you they think your home should be listed at a certain price,

then you should list it very close to that.

It’s their job and hopefully they are good at it.

You might consider talking to a few agents that have experience selling in your area.

Please don’t just go with the lowest commission agent.

I like to quote

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!

And

Believe me, the Agent is earning his or her commission!

PHOTOS Online Photos are most likely the VERY FIRST impression your potential buyers will have of your home. Take good ones or hire a photographer. Investing in photography could mean the difference in your house getting a showing.

The Property Group

It’s a good idea to show various angles of a space and to get details of the features of your home.

Lindsey Binz Home photo Via Karen Segrave

Be honest and realistic though.

The worst is to see really great photos online and get to the house and realize they were using an extra wide lens or using too much photoshop.

Lindsey Binz Home

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company,

a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s).

If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too!

Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

The post Get Real…Estate: 5 Top Tips for Putting Your House on the Market appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: New Year, New Baby

ark_admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 08:44:05 +0000

New year, new baby. 2015 should be a huge year! Due in July, I am finally cruising into the second trimester and nursery plans are obviously at the forefront of my mind. I still have a few weeks until I get to find out the gender of the baby (and I sometimes go back and forth on finding out) so in the meantime I’m gathering inspiration for both boys and girls. I don’t know how I’m going to actually decorate the nursery because I have about a million different ideas and I love them all.

Design: Jenni Kayne
Photo: Roger Davies
Architectural Digest

Design and Photo: Pieter Estersohn
Elle Decor

Design: Janna Toland of Cobblestone & Vine
Photo: Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Design: Heather Winn Bowman
Photo: Molly Winters
Mini Style Blog

Design: Monika Hibbs
Photo: Tracey Anton
Style at Home

Design: Bailey McCarthy
Photo: Molly Miller
Peppermint Bliss

Design: Kathlee Kohl
Photo: Gracie Blue
Style Me Pretty

Design: Kathryn Eisman
Photo: Bethany Nauert
Domaine Home

Where did you get your inspiration when decorating a nursery? Any tips for a design-minded mom?

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: New Year, New Baby appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: January Update

ark_admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:05:31 +0000

Happy New Year! I hope you had a delightful holiday season and are starting the new year with a bang! Ok, y’all…it is cold. Really cold! Take a look at my fountain:

As I write this in Fayetteville, the projected low tonight is 4 degrees. Ouch! So, as you might expect, there hasn’t been a whole lot happening outside in the garden around here. But as I sit here in the den, bundled up in the new robe I got for Christmas and a toasty cashmere throw, I realize there are plenty of fun new things happening inside to share with you. What follows is a somewhat random collection of accessories and flourishes I have added around the house in recent months. The one theme that unites them all, though, is bringing the outdoors in which is the perfect way to Live Outside the Box this time of year (without getting frost bite!).

One of my favorite new additions is this pair of antique French garden plans. Another purchase from my friends at French Metro Antiques in Fayetteville, the plans occupy what had been a large blank spot on the wall in the living room. Next to them are two wood pieces that definitely bring in a bit of the outdoors. The ball on the floor is sculpted from the root of a teak tree, and the gnarly thing next to it is the root structure of a tree that I dragged out of the white river years ago and turned into a sculpture.

This plan shows the design for the chateau and royal garden in the town of Luneville, France:

While this one is titled simply, “General Plan for the Menagerie of the King.”

Across the room are two more framed pieces that were a gift from my wonderful parents. They came from Marshall Clements in Little Rock and are actual leaves with designs cut or scraped into the top layer.

Also in the living room is this aged wood pedestal that I used to display a sculpture I already had. It almost seems to have been made out of driftwood, which is a favorite theme of mine, and I especially like the contrast of the formal French style and the rustic material used to execute it.

Another small way I brought the outdoors in is with crystals. I got a basket full on a trip to Hot Springs this summer and went a little nuts with them all over the place! They really are naturally beautiful objects, and I like how they look combined with this sculpture.

Crystals also help bring to life this arrangement, which combines two striking elements from two close friends, as well as some creative thinking. The crystal votive holder was a gift from my friend and fellow designer, Christopher Todd, and the gilded bronze vide-poche (“empty-pocket”) came from French Metro Antiques. Putting them together and adding air plants to create a unique display was the idea of one of our employees, Rebel, and I think it came together beautifully!

Meet Barry the barracuda. He now reigns supreme over the den! Well, ok, Barry isn’t a real barracuda, but rather a stylized, silver-leafed resin sculpture, but I think he is the perfect combination of “contemporary meets rustic” for this room.

On the credenza beneath Barry is a whole host of other natural and outdoorsy items, collected over the past year or so including a deer skull, a turtle shell, river birch bark shavings gathered from a clients garden, a stone sculpture by Arkansas artist Michael Davis Gutierrez (another generous gift from great friends) a graphite leaf, geode bookends and various rocks and pebbles, several of which have been ‘donated’ by friends in what has become somewhat of a humorous custom.

This final piece also involves the generosity of friends, along with a tale of blatant copy-catting! A friend and client who takes daily walks began collecting the many beautiful feathers he would find during his outings. In an inspired moment, he decided to display them by combining them with a twig basket into a stylized nest. When I saw his creation, I fell in love with it, so he secretly began collecting more feathers for me. So, here you have my 100% plagiarized version, along with a real ostrich egg which was a gift from another friend this past Christmas. It just seemed like a natural, if obvious, fit!

There you have it: my version of bringing the outdoors in this winter. I hope these little touches might inspire you to undergo a similar project of your own. After all, just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t Live Outside the Box! See you in a month!

To see the progress at the “Out of the Box House,” read Daniel Keeley’s past updates!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: January Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: “Humble” Art Made Fabulous

ark_admin — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 08:09:27 +0000

So I spend a decent amount of time scouring the city (and the internet) for wonderful art. No big deal, right? Whateva.

Ok, honestly I spend a LOT of (personal) time looking for art. A lot. It’s bad. I buy book after book after book. Whenever Amazon or Oprah says “read this book,” I buy a copy. You may ask, “And how many books have you plowed through recently?” Answer: Zilch. HOWEVER…I have had some amazing art finds cross my path. Picture it: me finding a vintage, scribbly, black-and-white ink drawing on eBay, showing it to a client, buying it, and finding that the signature reads “Pollock, 1954.” A good deal? Maybe. A fake? Quite possibly. A rad piece of original art?? TOTALLY.
Check out said art below…

I promise I’m making a point here, and it is this: Some people will spend a respectable amount of money on original art. Others will spend a…somewhat less…respectable amount on their art. Either way, with proper curation (and some helpful, awesome styling tips) your featured art can look simply stellar, no matter the size of your financial investment.

So let’s mix things up. Let’s tweak our frame of reference and enlarge it to include what I’m dubbing “humble art.” What is humble art, you ask? Hmmm. Let’s see…..Etsy prints, student projects, flea market treasures, phone pad doodles, Sunday afternoon craft time, magazine clippings, framed personal collections, friend art, prints of famous originals, eBay auction items, estate sale scores, kindergarten masterpieces, finds from your grandma’s closet….to name just a few.

You understand, we’re being somewhat polite here–“humble art” does not encompass those spectacular “splurge” pieces. We are not talking about that fabulous painting you proudly and preciously hang in your entryway (the one you saved up to buy after telling the kids Santa wasn’t coming this year).

Take another example, in this case a flea market treasure: four vintage lithographs of soldiers in various uniform.

No signature, no series numbering—nothing to make these categorizable as “fine art.” And yet, the coloring of the uniforms and the jaunty posing of the soldiers is undeniably interesting. Now take these pieces, pair them with gold leafing and navy blue and…wham!

Kinda great, right? The key is taking interesting art (in all it’s semi-pedigreed glory) and, with good styling and color pairings, make it stand out and work within a space in a new way.
A few other examples…

Not just a zebra doodle, friends. Nay. When paired with trophy urns, found feathers and weathered metallic accents it becomes the ultimate statement in bachelor pad chic.

I’m almost positive this black-and-white art was homemade. But accompanied by brazen mustard-yellow lamps and simple tablescaping it strikes a wonderfully austere-yet-playful chord. And what a pretty chord. One of my favs.

Lastly, take this dining room. Underscaled but elegant. Dark and moody, glamorous and inviting. If my life story ever gets turned into a movie, this would be the film set. And Ryan Gosling would be the lead star. And Lindsay Lohan would finally get her life back on track…. But I digress.
Now consider the art: expertly hung on the wall, amidst glowing sconces, radiating taste and sophistication. I can honestly tell you that while some of those life sketches are probably valuable, several are eBay finds! And through classy framing choices it all works towards a charming conclusion. Just melts my heart.

The moral of this tale: don’t be afraid of art with a questionable pedigree. Buy pieces that you love and are likely to love for years. The best pieces are the ones that speak to you, the ones that tell you a story. And remember, a murky history just makes the story all the more appealing. Cheers!

Like Joshua’s work? CLICK HERE to see a recent home design project of his!

The post The Art Fix with Joshua Plumlee: “Humble” Art Made Fabulous appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life With Chris Olsen: Simple Elements Mean Strong Impact

ark_admin — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:48:34 +0000

You may not be thinking about your landscape today, but you should. The depth of winter is the best time to site, plan, and design any aspect of your landscape’s ‘hard’ features. A hardscape is just that: the portion of your landscape that requires pre-planning, is semi-permanent, manmade, and involves natural elements, such as stone, rock, and also in this case, water. Winter is a great time to figure out a new design—and install it—because trees and beds are bare, typography stands out, and you can figure out placement easily. Installing a fountain is perfect during this time of year! It can be one of the best uses of corners, or a space close to the house. Don’t let the word ‘install’ scare you. You won’t need a building permit to a create a beautiful water feature that is understated in its elegance, and that incorporates nothing more than cheerful water flow and rock selected for color and shape.

We used natural rock for the fountain; in this case, ‘Baltic Stone.’ It was drilled so that the water pipe could easily be inserted. We didn’t want anything fussy, we also wanted to eliminate that “splashing” sound, so a group of three (The Magic Number) upended vertical stones would do the trick. The water simply needed to burble over the top and cascade down the sides. Select a basin for the water, thinking about how many rocks you want to surround it. You’ll want a generous amount of rock to frame your pool, so measure your area well. Dig a hole slightly larger than the plastic water basin. The larger the pool, the more water it can contain. Here, we buried a four-foot square basin purchased at a pond supply store, and surrounded it with metal grating that supports and contains the river rock that frames the basin.

Shop for a pump that will give you enough power to push your water up and over, but you aren’t installing a dam, so you won’t need something extraordinary. Water pressure is part of your design, so contemplate flow. You’re incorporating sound into this design, and more water being pushed faster means a louder water feature, so your pump selection really does matter.

In keeping with the vertical style of this water feature, we used flagstones buried on their sides to create a sort of retaining outer wall, and planted just inside. We chose plants for hardiness, as well as compact growth, to complete the design. ‘Lime’ sweet flag grass, Dwarf Mondo, ‘Wintergreen’ boxwood, ‘Blood good’ Japanese maple, and golden euonymus completed our design elements.

You can find many of these components online or at aquatic stores, and shopping for rock can be a fun adventure. Just remember to keep it simple. You aren’t erecting a public fountain, so you want the water to trickle more than gush. The gushing can come from your guests as they round the corner and see your new landscape addition. It stands out in its simple design, yet is striking in its use of rock, water, and basic planting elements. It will require an afternoon of work, but will be a focal point in your landscape for a long time to come, literally calling out to you.

The post Living the Good Life With Chris Olsen: Simple Elements Mean Strong Impact appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

DIY “Wrap” Session with Andrea Hadfield

ark_admin — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 08:12:21 +0000

In the article “That’s a Wrap,” in our December issue, three leading designers offered gift wrapping inspiration and ideas. Now, we’re giving you the how-tos! PLUS, we’re asking these designers a few quick questions about their personal holiday style. Next up is Andrea Hadfield, of Fayetteville. Her chalkboard-themed wrapping and gift ideas are so whimsical and fun! Now she’s giving you a step-by-step guide to recreating this look:

STEP ONE: “Wrap your present securely in matte black paper.”

STEP TWO: “Decorate with chalk or chalk marker.”

STEP THREE: “Once you have finished your holiday masterpiece, use a setting spray or even hairspray to ensure your piece is lasting. Spray it evenly on the package.”

STEP FOUR: “Add bow and tinsel.”

Other Ideas from Andrea: “You can even wrap your present, leave it plain, add a bow with an attached piece of chalk, and let the recipient decorate! Everyone will love this giftwrap! It’s a really cute way for kiddos to participate!”

Here’s what Andrea had to say about some all-important holiday preferences:

Bags or wrapping paper? It depends on the present and the amount of time you have! Ha!!!

To peek at Your Presents or Not? I’ve peeked and wished I wouldn’t have!

Favorite Christmas Carol: I have two! Silent Night and, of course, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer!

Cocoa or egg nog? Of course, egg nog!!!

Thanks, Andrea! See more images of Andrea’s gift wrapping in the article online.

[photography: Rett Peek]

The post DIY “Wrap” Session with Andrea Hadfield appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

DIY “Wrap” Session with Shayla Copas

ark_admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 08:16:52 +0000

In the article “That’s a Wrap,” in our December issue, three leading designers offered gift wrapping inspiration and ideas. Now, we’re giving you the how-tos! PLUS, we’re asking these designers a few quick questions about their personal holiday style. First up is Shayla Copas, of Shayla Copas Interiors in Little Rock. Her glitzy and glamorous take on a traditional look is simply timeless. Now she’s giving you a step-by-step guide to recreating this look:

STEP ONE: “Place the gift on the paper and cut the paper large enough to wrap your gift. Quality wallcovering is thicker than wrapping paper, so you will need a glue gun to secure the paper, instead of tape.”

STEP TWO: “We used sheer drapery fabric for our bows. The rolls are 110” wide, so we cut it 5” wide and cut the length of the roll. We then made a bow and tied with floral wire leaving enough room to tie the wire onto the package.”

STEP THREE: “Cut another strip about 8” of the sheer fabric the length of the roll. Wrap around the package and then cross the fabric under the package and bring around the package to the top and tie and leave about 8” on each side so you can secure the bow to the package. Cut the remainder of the fabric so you only see the bow and tuck any stray strands of fabric. After tucking the strays your finished product will be about 3” to 4” in width. When using sheer fabric you will have stray threads on the sides. Always tuck them under to conceal.”

STEP FOUR: “Attach floral wire to ornaments and attach to package.”

STEP FIVE: “Finish off with fresh cedar to give your package an organic flair.”

Here’s what Shayla Had to say about some all-important holiday preferences:

Bags or wrapping paper? Ideally wrapping paper; however, I find myself continually gearing toward bags as I am so busy, especially during this time of year as we are in the midst of holiday decorating for clients. In fact, we start our first holiday décor clients in October…believe it or not!

To peek at Your Presents or Not? NOT!!! I LOVE a surprise and my husband genuinely loves to give and see the look on our faces Christmas morning. I’m so animated that he would for sure know I had peeked. Why ruin his fun??!!!

Cocoa or egg nog? Funny you ask, cocoa for SURE! I’m a chocolate addict, and I can’t get enough! My close friends ALL know that I will take hot chocolate over a latte, eggnog, or cider ANY DAY!! The Capital Hotel has the BEST hot chocolate in town, by the way.

Thanks, Shayla! See more images of Shayla’s gift wrapping in the article online, and stay tuned this week for one more “wrap” session with our third design expert.

[photography: Rett Peek]

The post DIY “Wrap” Session with Shayla Copas appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Plaid Happy

ark_admin — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 08:14:02 +0000

Plaid makes an instant statement! When combining textiles for design projects I always try to add a plaid or a modern geometric into the mix.

Whether it be a large, over-scale buffalo plaid or a simple check it merely adds that multi-dimentional effect that we all strive for in our spaces. Many times used for draperies or custom bedding treatments, a plaid can act as a “neutral” pattern with an added touch of sophistication.

It is a pattern that’s especially popular in any environment that leans towards the influences of French or Country French. These types of patterns can often be mixed in a dual application to further deepen the visual interest.

Often found in less heavy textiles such as silk, linen, and Madras, plaid will add an “airy” and clean feel, adapting to almost any fabrication. For a warm and cozy feel, plaid is often successfully applied to upholstered pieces in a den or living room.

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Cotton or heavy linen is the preferred choice to achieve this “loose” or casual atmosphere. Explore the possibility of a plaid or check when pondering your next design project and I can guarantee a deeper appreciation for textiles!

Kelli Wilson is the creative mind behind Kelli Wilson Consulting. She is the resident designer at Designer Effects, a to-the-trade fabric showroom located in Little Rock.

The post Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Plaid Happy appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

‘Tis the Season with Providence Design

ark_admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 13:51:00 +0000

[photo credit: http://traceryinteriors.com/portfolio/at-hom/]

It is the time of year when we are all well into our holiday festivities. Shopping, parties, wrapping, and traveling are all going on as we speak. We decided to dedicate this post to the last minute details that can help take your holiday gathering to the next level. Easy recipes, tablescapes, and last minute decor all really help to make for an unforgettable event.

We all spend so much time and effort decorating our homes for the Holiday Season, and everyone has his or her own unique take on decor. Here at Providence Design one of our favorite touches is incorporating fresh greens into the decor. We usually start with a faux base and decorate it to completion with ribbon, ornaments–the whole nine yards. Then just before the event we plug in some fresh stems to take it over the top. Nothing beats the smell of fresh Christmas greens.

The arrangement in the above picture was done with real poinsettias and dried moss, mixed with faux red kalanchoes from our store. How nice all you have to worry about is the poinsettias! In the next photo we started with faux christmas greenery and berries mixed with the sugarcones. Then we added a few fresh stems in and what a statement without fear of it all being dried out in a day or two!

Our next tip is for your table. You may be having a sit down dinner or a buffet setting, but you always want your table to be a statement. Let’s start with a buffet setting. Try to find some serve ware that have varying shapes and sizes, even heights. Varying the pieces will add visual interest to your tablescape.

The above photo shows many different serving pieces, as well as some placed on stands. Once you add a fabulous centerpiece (here we went back to our fresh greens) you are well ahead of the pack in having a gorgeous tablescape.

[photo credit: http://beechtreephotography.com/2011/12/28/christmas-tablescape/]

Its important to try to make each placesetting special if you are having a sit down dinner. We love using the stockings made from antique fabric, each one being different really makes each setting special. You could even use them as the placecard holders, or place a small gift inside for your guests to take with them.

Another tip! Candles, Candles, Candles! If you ask us, you can never have too many candles. Right before the guests arrive light the candles. It might seem small but candles automatically set the tone for a lovely event.

[photo credit: http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/show-me-your-reception-table-settings/]

[photo credit: http://www.diynetwork.com/decorating/10-unique-ways-to-decorate-your-front-door-for-the-holidays/pictures/index.html]

[photo credit: http://www.houzz.com/photos/products/holiday-floral-centerpieces]

Lastly, what is a great party without great food? You certainly don’t have to spend a fortune or all your time dedicated to cooking, however making some special dishes really makes the event personal. Pictured below our some quick and easy dishes that really are delicious and will have your guests talking. For more yummy dishes and the recipes, head over to our blog.

[photo credit: http://slimpaley.com/entertaining/seeds-berries/]

[photo credit: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/anne-burrell/excellent-meatballs-recipe.html]

[photo credit: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/pork-tenderloin-with-seasoned-rub-recipe.html]

Hope these little tips will help take your party to the next level.

Have a wonderful holiday and Merry Christmas from Providence Design!

[photo credit: http://hative.com/fun-creative-christmas-card-photo-ideas/]

Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.

The post ‘Tis the Season with Providence Design appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

DIY “Wrap” Session with Andrea Brooks

ark_admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 12:35:11 +0000

In the article “That’s a Wrap,” in our December issue, three leading designers offered gift wrapping inspiration and ideas. Now, we’re giving you the how-tos! PLUS, we’re asking these designers a few quick questions about their personal holiday style. First up is Andrea Brooks, of Andrea Brooks Interiors in El Dorado. Her playful presents have a punched-up palette that we just love. Now she’s giving you a step-by-step guide to recreating this look:

STEP ONE: “I wrapped the box in the strawberry-colored grass cloth just as I would a traditional package.”

STEP TWO: “I measured around the box and cut a 2-inch-wide strip of fabric to that length. I turned the long sides of the fabric in half an inch, to give it a finished edge. I wrapped the strip around the box and hot glued it to the box.”

STEP THREE: “Make your tissue paper flower: 1. Stack 6 to 8 pieces of tissue paper 2. Cut tissue paper to size – in halves or quarters, depending on the size of the flower you want. 3. Fold the paper – First fold should be one inch, then flip back and forth to make a fan all the way until the end. 4. Fold the accordioned strip in half. 5. Tie a piece of string or twist tie or staple in center of strip. 6. Cut rounded or pointed tips depending on shape you want the petals to have. 7. Separate tissue papers on one side, then the other. 8. Fluff and you’re done!”

Here’s what Andrea had to say about some all-important holiday preferences:

Bags or Wrapping Paper? Both

To Peek at Your Presents or Not? Truthfully, I would totally peek!

Favorite Christmas Carol: “Joy to the World”

Cocoa or Egg Nog? Egg Nog – Beginning December 1^st!

Thanks, Andrea! See more images of Andrea’s gift wrapping in the article online, and stay tuned this week for more “wrap” sessions with our other design experts.

[photography: Rett Peek]

The post DIY “Wrap” Session with Andrea Brooks appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Lindsey Binz on the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year

ark_admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 14:36:07 +0000

Each year the Pantone Color Institute nominates a “Color of the Year,” forecasting which specific hue designers and consumers will supposedly be using in their homes, wearing, and buying for the next 12 months.

So of course, I can’t resist writing about this when the 2015 color has just been released.

“Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors,” says Pantone

Pantone

How they choose these colors is a mystery to me.

Sometimes, I like what they choose and other times not so much.

This time I actually do and I can’t wait to mix this earthy color with some of my favorites.

I am pleased to say that it looks great with the color that I just chose for my office walls

Buoyant Blue by Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams

With white and grey as a back drop, this color is even more Amaze…ing

Arkpad

In this Tribeca Loft, Marsala couldn’t fit in better. It pairs perfectly with Emerald Green, the still popular Color of the year for 2013.

One Kind Design

Marsala window panels make a bold statement. I love the contrast against simple white walls.

Vogue

For all of you that have your houses on the market (don’t want to do anything permanent) or just want a touch of Marsala. Barstools are a great way to add it to your space.

Brabbu

Rugs are another great way to bring in this rustic brown~bold berry blend, without a major commitment!

PHOTO: Lincoln Barbour, designed by Jessica Helgerson

Iconic Interior Designer, Miles Redd, was ahead of the curve with these walls.

Here’s a peak at the other Pantone Spring colors…I’m loving them ALL

The Spotted Olive

Which of these are you going to have in your home in the upcoming year? I would love to help you decide. www.lindseybinzhome.com

The Lovely Forest

Cashmere Fog

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company,

a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s).

If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too!

Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

The post Lindsey Binz on the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: December Update

ark_admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 09:52:13 +0000

Hello and Happy December! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and continue to enjoy the holiday season. I hope you also enjoyed last month’s issue of At Home and the featured Outdoor Thanksgiving meal we had here at the Outside the Box House. It really was exciting to see that in the magazine, and I send another big thank you to Chef Jen Lewis and everyone else who was involved!

I tell you, in the past month we have been so busy getting our clients’ houses and gardens all decorated and ready for the holidays, that there just hasn’t been a whole lot happening around here at the Outside the Box House. Earlier in the year, I had big plans to go all out with holiday lights and decorations and perhaps even throw a party. However, as I am sure many of you can relate to, life happened, reality eventually set in, and…well…that just ain’t gonna happen! Still, I couldn’t let the season pass without giving the house at least a touch of holiday spirit, so my team and I fashioned a simple swag of fresh evergreens for the front door. Tied with beautiful, monochromatic ribbon, it is a quick and easy decoration that still adds grace and customized charm for the holidays.

If you would like to make a swag of your own, here is what we did: first we gathered our tools and ingredients–evergreen branches, a roll of ribbon, florist’s wire, scissors and hand pruners. For the evergreens, I chose a mixture of pine boughs, fir and cedar trimmings and juniper branches. This is my favorite mixture, but you could also use other evergreen varieties such as holly, boxwood, camellia, arborvitae, magnolia or eleagnus. Take a quick stroll around the house to see what you might be able to harvest right out of your own garden!

Next, we arranged the various branches into a bundle, making sure each variety was visible, cut the woody ends even, and secured them with the florist’s wire.

Then we tied a length of ribbon around the end of the swag. This piece of ribbon hides the florist’s wire, helps hold the bundle together, and also serves as the tails to the bow. I chose a textured, velvet, striped ribbon in a monochromatic grey…my favorite color.

Finally, we tied a bow from the same ribbon, attached it to the swag using another piece of florist’s wire, and hung the swag on the door. I just love how the ribbon complements the silvery, driftwood tone of the door. Since my door features a decorative, bronze knocker (a gift from an antiques-dealer friend and one of my favorite things!) I chose to hang my swag directly from the knocker itself. You could also simply put a small nail at the appropriate height, or, if you worry about damaging the exterior surface of your door, you can hang your swag from a longer piece of ribbon that is attached to the top side of the door with heavy-duty staples. If your front door is glass, a basic suction-cup hook is all you need!

To help dress up the rest of the front entry, we simply replaced the miniature pumpkins that we used around the bases of these boxwoods for fall decorating with some pine cones that I gathered from a friend’s garden.

We did the same thing with the large urns that anchor the front garden, replacing frozen asparagus fern and gourds with more pine cones. Using a central evergreen to anchor container plantings like theses and switching out items around the base is a useful trick for easily carrying your garden from season to season. We also added matching bows to the large boxwood topiaries to help relate them back to the swag on the door.

They may be simple, but I think the decorations turned out great and hope they will help you with your own decorating. After all, during this busy and sometimes stressful season, perhaps the “less-is-more” philosophy can do us all some good!

Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year! -dk P.S. I am very proud and excited to announce that one of our projects is featured in the recently released book, Gardens in Detail, by Emma Reuss. The book showcases 100 of the best contemporary gardens and outdoor living spaces from across the globe, and we are honored to be included among some of the biggest names in the business. Be sure to pick it up for the garden enthusiast on your holiday shopping list!

To see the progress at the “Out of the Box House,” read Daniel Keeley’s past updates!

The post Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: December Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Enter to Win Camille Styles’ New Book!

ark_admin — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 12:20:10 +0000

In our November issue, we previewed a few exciting new book titles from the world of lifestyle, art, and design; today, you can enter to WIN one of them! Entertaining by Camille Styles is your guide to stress-free entertaining year-round. Camille Styles is the founder and creative director of the widely read, eponymous blog. Full of inspiring party ideas, tabletop and event design details, recipes, and floral how-tos, the author encourages us all to “get creative, have fun, and turn everyday moments into cause for celebration.”

If you want this book to guide you through the coming year of celebrations–or if it would make a perfect gift for the host or hostess in your life–enter to win a free copy today. All you need to do is 1) Go and “Like” the Camille Styles Facebook page 2) “Like” the At Home in Arkansas Facebook page, and 3) Leave a comment below about why you’d like to win this great new book! The winner will be selected at random, and no entries submitted after Thursday at 12, noon. Good luck, and happy Cyber Monday!

**This giveaway is now closed**

The post Enter to Win Camille Styles’ New Book! appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Holiday Mantel Inspiration from Cece Fourchy Quinn

ark_admin — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 10:20:39 +0000

In case you hadn’t heard, it’s finally December! The most wonderful time of the year. I love the cold weather, the excuse to drink hot cocoa (with marshmallows, please sir), and of course the family time around the holidays. OH and the decorating of course. What would December be without endless magnolia garlands and pretty pinecones? I always love the tree, but lately I’ve been looking to my fireplace mantel to be the star of the show. I rounded up my favorites for this year’s carol-worthy decor inspiration.

How do you dress up your mantel for the holidays?

Design by Stacy and Howard Hurst
Photography by Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Van Wyck & Van Wyck
Photo by Joshua McHugh
Architectural Digest

Photo by Max Kim-Bee
Veranda

Design by Daniel Keeley and Christopher Todd
Photo by Rett Peek
At Home in Arkansas

Design by P. Allen Smith
Photo by Nancy Nolan
At Home in Arkansas

Design by Rita Konig
Photo by Justin Bernhaut
Domino Magazine

Design by Tobi Fairley

Photo by Nancy Nolan
TobiFairley.com

Design by Pamela Pierce
Photo by Peter Vitale
Veranda Magazine

The post Holiday Mantel Inspiration from Cece Fourchy Quinn appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Let’s Reflect (on Christmas Design)

ark_admin — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:24:42 +0000

Every year you put up a tree, hang garland, string lights, create seasonal tablescapes, and try to incorporate every surface you can find for holiday decoration, both inside and out. It’s what we all do, especially if we want to show personality and showmanship at a time of year when competition is stiff and ideas are many. Here’s a project you may not have thought of—a surface you probably haven’t used.

If you already have a mirror on the wall in a room, why not make it part of the act as well? All you need is an ample supply of plastic ornaments, a design plan, and a hot glue gun. You’re going to put your Christmas design directly on the mirror.

When the holiday is over, you’ll use a single-edged razor blade to remove the ornaments, and scrape off glue reside. No damage will be done to your mirror.

First, figure out what you want in the way of a design. A tree outline is best—read: easiest—because it’s pretty simple to create the ‘trunk,’‘branches,’‘lights,’‘tree topper,’all out of regular ornaments.

You’ll probably need to plan out your design on a table or flat surface first, to make sure you have enough ornaments to do the trick, and to see that it will have the effect you want. You can easily measure and mark for placement of your design by using a Sharpie or dry erase marker directly on the mirror.

You and your glue gun are going to be best pals before you’re through, so make sure you have enough glue sticks. The key to success with keeping the ornaments stuck to the mirror, and getting great show out of your design can be found in one word: Plenty. Use plenty of glue to suspend each ornament. And go back to augment the glue as you assemble your design. And use plenty of ornaments. You don’t want to be skimpy because your design is going to look right back at you.

Stop often to make sure your lines are straight—or not—and that each ornament will stay where you placed it. And check your colors and design as you progress. You might want to bring in something unexpected, or sustain the idea of brown ornaments for the trunk, green, red, and gold for everything else, or whatever color scheme you want to go with.

Remember that your design, as well as the colors you use, will be increased by the reflections in the mirror, and you’ll get a sort of ripple-and-shimmer effect with anything you use.

Keep adding glue, but keep your touch light, because too much glue pressed on at once will create globs when hardened between ornaments.

Once your tree is finished, remember to top it off, just like you do the real thing.

And you’ll be able to disassemble it all with ease, once the holiday is over.

You’ve now created another place for Christmas, found another area that lends itself beautifully to decorations. Anyone else would have limited themselves by hanging a bit of tinsel around the mirror’s edge, but you’ve taken it to the next level. Your tree, suspended from the mirror, will reflect well on you and your holiday celebration. And if that mirror is in a room where your friends and family gather, it will shine like never before.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Let’s Reflect (on Christmas Design) appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

The Art Fix, with Joshua Plumlee: Finding Your Personal Style

ark_admin — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 06:45:11 +0000

“So what should I put here??” This is the question my clients ask the most often. Pretty much everyday. I feel like I’ve carved a niche for myself just helping others further their art-collecting addictions. It’s fun for me because I’m an art addict – or pretty much just an addict of everything pretty. It’s like getting paid to drink at a cocktail party.
Here’s the deal: sofas, sectionals, couches, credenzas – all these are part of one discussion. But art, there’s a whole day of shopping and brainstorming. “What does my art say about me?” “Am I playful or serious, moody and mysterious or light and breezy?”
Take this gallery wall installation….

Lots of disparate pieces, just hanging out. Yet all connected by little more than infrequent hits of gold leaf framing and blocked pops of orangey-reds. It seems to say, “I’m cool and randomn and don’t really care what my art collection looks like because we’re all sipping on dry martinis and throwing our heads back to laugh wildly and loudly.” Except this install took like two whole days of sweat and tears to get everything hung perfectly and still look ‘randomn’ and ‘martini-ready’.
Easy, right? Not s’much.
So. There’s that.
And, yet, if maximalism isn’t quite your thing…..let’s take three pieces from the gallery mix above and use them in a different way. Take this grouping…

More tightly centered, more clearly organized. Still a little randomn (because these pieces don’t necessarily have anything in common except the color of the frames) and yet more cohesive because art, when tightly grouped, takes on a more specific, intentional connotation.
And for good reason. Hanging art seems semi-permanent – committing to holes in the plaster, hiring professional installers, having to decide what to buy and where to hang it. A person could go crazy!
Hopefully, I can help address this issue. More next month…

The post The Art Fix, with Joshua Plumlee: Finding Your Personal Style appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Wild for Animal Print

ark_admin — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 09:34:45 +0000

As in the world of fashion, animal prints will add a punch of sophistication in any design plan. Whether you mix several different animal prints in the same color palette ,create a room full of texture and depth by mixing the textiles together such as a velvet leopard and a linen tiger both in the same color family. You will always add depth and interest with these primitive inspired motifs. I like to add whimsy to a neutral palatte by adding animal prints that have a hint of an accent color. There are animal prints available in a varied array of fabrics The color ways have also broadened in the last few years. The days of “brown and black” only is passe. Start thinking out of the box and bring in a brightly colored animal
print on an ottoman or a bench in your entry. Add something unexpected with an animal print and you will enjoy it for years to come!!!
As in the fashion industry if you own something with a good quality animal print on it you will be able to relocate the item within your home for a pleasing change!!

Kelli Wilson is the creative mind behind Kelli Wilson Consulting. She is the resident designer at Designer Effects, a to-the-trade fabric showroom located in Little Rock. Want more textile tips? Read Kelli’s posts on Layering Texture and Pattern and Silk!

The post Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Wild for Animal Print appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Arkansas in the Making: Bella Vita Artisan Jewelry

ark_admin — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:28:14 +0000

Arkansas in the Making is a series of interviews featuring local artisans, their workspaces and accoutrements. For this post, we spoke with Brandy McNair, a Little Rock jewelry maker who just celebrated the grand opening of her new store in the Lafayette Building, downtown.

At Home in Arkansas: Define your personal style in 6 words. Brandy McNair: classic, laid back, minimal, natural, no drama!

AHIA: What are your current obsessions? Brandy McNair: I am currently obsessed with anything floral. Floral glass buttons, Italian micro mosaic jewelry, floral prints in textiles and art prints, bouquets of fresh flowers. If it has flowers on it, I am digging it right now!
AHIA: What color could you not live without? Brandy McNair: gosh…turquoise, teal, black…sorry I can’t pin it down to just one!
AHIA: Tell us about why you make what you make…a history, timeline or some sort of list. Brandy McNair: I started making jewelry around age 10. I made jewelry all through High School and took a break to obtain a BA in Interior Design from U of A. After a short stint in the design world I decided I wanted to start making jewelry again…6 years later I am still at it. Jewelry making has always just come naturally to me and it is something I am very confident with. From selecting materials to composing a new piece to the actual craftsmanship. I love it all. My jewelry has evolved a lot over the years but I think that if you saw older designs you would think “that fits her style” of design and making.
AHIA: What is your greatest achievement or goal for your brand? Brandy McNair: Gosh, being self employed, my main goal is always to just succeed! But on a lighter note, I’d like to get my designs in stores across the country and possibly worldwide. I would say my greatest achievement to date is the recent opening of my retail shop. It is something that I have wanted to do for a while now and I have accomplished that. Most people don’t just wake up one day and say “I want to open a shop.” It is something that takes a lot of time and planning. I am excited to see what the future holds for my little retail shop.

AHIA: What is your go-to for a quick burst of inspiration? Brandy McNair: If I am feeling un inspired the best way for me to get inspired is to pull out my trays and trays of vintage baubles. They are so incredible and immediately spark design ideas in my head. Once I get going on those designs it seems like others start coming to me as well. If for some reason this doesn’t work, a walk with my dog can usually clear my head and get me on track again.
AHIA: Which of your tools is most important for your work? Brandy McNair: Describe it, how long you’ve had it, etc. I use a lot of tools… I guess I would have to say that my wire cutters, and small pliers are the ones I just couldn’t live without. Some of these small hand tools I’ve had since the begining so they are appx. 20 years old! Then my rotary tool for drilling, polishing, etc and my hammers are a close second.
AHIA: To an aspiring artisan, what would you say is the most important part of doing creative work? Brandy McNair: Always stay true to yourself and your designs. And be a stickler for craftsmanship, finish your edges and wrap your wires well.
AHIA: How does your lifestyle support your work? Brandy McNair: My work is my lifestyle, it’s such a huge part of my life. Bella Vita is all I do sometimes. I mean I take breaks for vacation when seasons allow but I basically eat, breathe, and sleep Bella Vita Jewelry. I love it though. And hopefully in the future I will be able to hire another studio assistant or two to help out but for now, I pretty much run the whole show!
AHIA: What do you want your customers to know about you/your work? Brandy McNair: All of my jewelry designs are original to my brand and they are carefully constructed in my studio in downtown Little Rock. In addition to my jewelry designs, I also take on custom orders.
AHIA: Within the field of your work, who is your greatest inspiration/influence/role model, etc? Brandy McNair: Other entrepreneurs, especially other women entrepreneurs. Running a small business is hard work and isn’t for the faint of heart. It can be an emotional roller coaster at times. It’s nice to have a tribe of other entrepreneurs to learn from and to get advice from when it is needed.

Thank you, Brandy! And as a bonus for you, today, Brandy is giving away a $40 store credit, so that you can shop for jewelry and gifts at her new store. To enter: go and “Like” Bella Vita Facebook page, then “Like” the At Home in Arkansas Facebook page and let us know you’ve done so by leaving a comment below! A winner will be selected at random This Friday, November 21, at 4pm, so be sure to check back to see if you won. Best of luck!

Find Bella Vita: WEBSITE/FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM/PINTEREST

The post Arkansas in the Making: Bella Vita Artisan Jewelry appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Get Real…Estate: Holiday Decorating Shortcuts from Lindsey Binz

ark_admin — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 09:06:20 +0000

I love the Holidays and I love to decorate for them, but finding the time is always a challenge. Here are some tips to help you make your home look festive in no time!

Mix in seasonal with everyday: You don’t have to put everything away to make room for your holiday decorations.

Photo by Erica George Dines

Make it look more natural and effortless: Integrate floral and greenery in with your mantle or bookshelves.

Martha Stewart

Traditional Home

Below, I simply added glass ornaments and greenery to this arrangement my client already had displayed.

Use fresh when you can: I realize that is not always an option, but if it is then why not take advantage of nature.

I love the simplicity of using clippings from trees as decor. It’s not only economical, it adds the amazing aroma of pine to your home. Plus, less to put away when it’s time to take everything down. Just add them to your every day vases or bowls with or without ornaments and garland.

I also love cranberries. They are an inexpensive and natural way to add some color to your holiday decor. Place cranberries in vases or other glass containers,

add candles and TADA you have an instant centerpiece!

amandajanebrown

Use Rosemary to make a simple wreath: Hang it in your kitchen and use the sprigs when cooking or just enjoy the smell. It’s also a great hostess gift!

all about you

Be proactive for next year and organize: When storing your decor find a designated place, then color code or label the containers. I have tons of holiday decorations and I don’t use them all every year. I keep all of mine in an area in the attic separate from the rest of our stuff. That way I can quickly scan what I want to get down each year and what I want to wait and use another season.

Homes.com

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company, a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s). If they need to sell another one first, LBH can get that done too! Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

The post Get Real…Estate: Holiday Decorating Shortcuts from Lindsey Binz appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

From Our Pages: Bonus Holiday Recipes!

ark_admin — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:29:20 +0000

As promised, today we are giving you every recipe you need to recreate the fresh and fun holiday meal from our November entertaining story. The party was hosted by Daniel Keeley, and chef Jen Lewis created the menu. Follow this link to read the article and see images from the party. Enjoy!

Vanilla Old Fashioned

Ingredients

1 one-inch piece of vanilla bean, split

1 one-inch piece of orange zest

1/4 ounce simple syrup

¼ ounce of Tuaca liqueur

2 dashes orange bitters

2 ounces bourbon

ice

1 orange wheel

Directions

In a rocks glass, muddle the vanilla bean and orange zest with the Simple Syrup and bitters. Add the bourbon and ice, stir and garnish with the orange wheel.

Blue Cheese, Fig, & Walnut Tartlets

Ingredients

3 ounces blue cheese

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup fig jam

1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

1 orange, for zesting

fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Equipment

Mini-muffin pans

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease the cups of the mini muffin pans, unless you’re using non-stick pans. In a medium bowl, cream together the blue cheese and butter. Add the flour and use your hands to bring the dough together in the bowl. Divide the dough into 30 pieces and roll into balls. (If you prefer a more delicate shell, divide the dough into 36 pieces.) Using lightly floured fingers evenly press the dough against the sides of the mini tart pan until the dough rises slightly above the rim of the muffin cup. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool in pans for 5 minutes. Remove shells to a wire rack to finish cooling. Store cooled shells in an airtight container until ready to use. (They freeze well, too. Bake frozen shells for 8 minutes at 325°F before filling.) Spoon jam into cooled tartlet shells. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts, orange zest, and thyme leaves if using. Makes 2 1/2 – 3 dozen.

Pumpkin & Sage Soup

Ingredients

2 whole pie pumpkins

1 quart vegetable or chicken stock

1/2 cup heavy cream (plus extra for serving)

1/3 cup maple syrup

dash of nutmeg

salt to taste

1 Tablespoon of chopped sage

pumpkins seeds, toasted

fried sage leaves, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place pumpkins on a cookie sheet and roast them until slightly shriveled and soft. Allow to cool slightly, then slice in half and carefully scoop out seeds and pulp. Scoop flesh into a bowl. Set aside.

In a pot, heat up the pumpkin flesh with the stock, chopped sage and maple syrup until simmering. Mash out the big chunks, then transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor (or use an immersion blender) and puree until velvety smooth. Add cream and nutmeg, then blend again.

Reheat if you need to, or just go ahead and serve in a hollowed-out pumpkin of whatever size you’d like.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients

2 oz. pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1/2 cup)

1 to 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

10 oz. Brussels sprouts (about 18 medium sprouts), trimmed and halved through the core

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 clove of garlic minced

½ tsp of herbs de provence

Freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

Kosher salt

Directions

In a heavy, 10-inch, straight-sided sauté pan set over medium-low heat, slowly cook the pancetta in 1 Tbs. of the oil until golden and crisp all over, 10 to 15 minutes.

With a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the fat behind. You should have about 2 Tbs. of fat in the pan; if not, add the remaining 1 Tbs. oil. Have ready 1/2 cup water. Put the pan over medium-high heat and arrange the sprouts cut side down in a single layer. Add garlic. Cook, undisturbed, until nicely browned, 2 to 3 minutes. When the sprouts are browned, add the water to the pan, cover immediately, and simmer until the sprouts are tender when poked with a fork or skewer, about 3 minutes. (If the water evaporates before the sprouts get tender, add more water, 1/4 cup at a time.) With a slotted spoon, transfer the sprouts to a plate. Return the pan to medium-high heat, and if any water remains let it boil off. Add the balsamic vinegar and a few grinds of pepper. Boil the vinegar until it’s reduced to about 2 Tbs. and looks lightly syrupy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the butter, and stir until melted. Add herb de provence. Return the sprouts and pancetta to the pan and swirl and shake the pan to evenly coat the sprouts with the sauce. Season to taste with salt and more pepper and serve. Serves 4.

Grilled Berkshire Pork Chops with Orange Cranberry & Rosemary Reduction Sauce

Pork chops:

Ingredients

4 (4-ounce) pork chops

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 Tablespoons of chopped rosemary

2 cloves of garlic minced

Directions

To cook the pork: Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over high heat. Season the pork with chopped rosemary, garlic salt and pepper. Brush the chops with oil then cook until barely pink at the center, about 4 minutes per side. Allow the pork to rest for 5 minutes. Serves 4.

Sauce:

Ingredients

12 oz. fresh cranberries, picked through and rinsed

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary

1/2 tsp. finely grated orange zest

Directions

Bring the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and rosemary to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 min. (Some berries will have popped and some will be whole.) Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the zest. Cover and let stand for 10 min. Let the sauce cool to room temperature and then cover and refrigerate. Return to room temperature before serving. This sauce can be made up to a week ahead and refrigerated in a covered container.

For the recipe for Apple Cranberry Ginger Potted Streusels–the dessert for this menu–read the entertaining article in our November issue online.

The post From Our Pages: Bonus Holiday Recipes! appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: November Update

ark_admin — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 06:17:20 +0000

I hope all of you are having a wonderful month so far and that you have had a chance to enjoy the November issue of At Home. It is packed full of gorgeous homes, and I am so excited to see the feature we shot last year at my outdoor Thanksgiving gathering! I am so thankful to the At Home team for all their hard work and to my patient (and good-looking!) friends for joining me. It was a great evening, and I hope you will be able to take away some good decorating ideas and recipes for your own holiday soirees this season. I can still taste all the delicious dishes prepared by Chef Jen Lewis. Yum! If you haven’t already seen the full article, check it out here. And get bonus recipes from this menu tomorrow, right here on the At Home blog!

Around the Outside the Box House, we have been having fun decorating for fall and enjoying the transition of the garden and surrounding landscape. Most of the summer annuals finally succumbed to freezing temperatures, so those have been removed to make way for tulips and other spring-flowering bulbs which we will be planting soon. To celebrate the season, we set out piles of pumpkins and gourds at the front garden gate and front door. I decided to go with a mostly-white-and-green theme this year, as well as with smaller, asymmetrical groupings. Don’t get me wrong: I loved last year’s pumpkin explosion! I just felt like something simpler this year.

As usual, I carried the theme to the large urns in the front garden by placing squashes and gourds among the asparagus fern which is left over from spring planting and still looks great. I also couldn’t resist showing a little botanical support for the Arkansas Razorbacks by adding red and white cyclamen. They have been going like gangbusters for almost a month now and also coordinate perfectly with the shirt of a friend who was visiting recently for a home football game. [You can see him relaxing on a bench in the front garden in the reflection in the window!]

In the planter boxes near the front door, we replaced the ivy and succulents that were planted under the boxwoods with a ‘mulch’ of mini pumpkins. This is one place where I deviated from the green and white theme, and I think the orange stripes look really nice against the dark brick of the house.

In the fountain garden, we floated more of the same mini pumpkins in the fountain for an unexpected, whimsical touch.

In decorating the front entry, we trimmed the variegated maiden grasses that flank the stairs to make the new pumpkins and gourds more visible. Instead of tossing the trimmings, our dedicated employees decided to make a couple of beautiful arrangements for tables inside and out. Recycling garden clippings like this is an easy way to get free material for decorating during any season, and who doesn’t like the sound of free?!!

We also recycled the ivy and succulents we removed from the front planter boxes to create this fun centerpiece for another table. The gilded skull was found by a friend at a local flea market and makes this a great conversation piece!

And that is just about it around here. Before I go, though, I thought I would share a couple more gates I saw recently on my travels. As I said last month, I love garden gates and entryways; for me, they add such a sense of intrigue! This grand gate marks the entrance to a historic horse farm near Lexington, KY.

And these much simpler portals lead to private courtyard gardens in Rosemary Beach, FL. Don’t you just want to go in and see what is behind them?

Thanks so much and Happy Thanksgiving. See you next month!

To see the progress at the “Out of the Box House,” read Daniel Keeley’s past updates!

The post Outside the Box with Daniel Keeley: November Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorcating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Let’s Talk Brown!

ark_admin — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 09:47:44 +0000

Let’s talk about brown for a minute. Yes, it’s dark, it’s moody, it’s literally the color of dirt. But with the right touch it is downright chic. I am having a brown moment myself. Maybe it’s gloomy autumn weather or just that lately I’ve spotted so many sophisticated spaces in the murky hue. I am partial to a glamorous brown lacquer but I am open to any and all finishes. Here are just some of the fabulous brown rooms inspiring me these days!

Miles Redd in House Beautiful

Steven Gambrel

Scott Paterek in At Home in Arkansas

Mary McDonald

Jose Picayo in House Beautiful

Mary McDonald

Albert Hadley

Bunny Williams in Architectural Digest

Miles Redd

Do you have any brown rooms in your home? Let us know how you use this dark color in the comments!

The post Decorcating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Let’s Talk Brown! appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Holiday Pixie Sticks

ark_admin — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 07:50:34 +0000

Do you remember Pixie Sticks? Those paper sleeves of awesome tart candy powder. Not only did they TASTE great—eating them was such fun! You ripped the end off and tipped the ‘stick’ up, tilting your head back, pouring all that sour goodness into your mouth. Here’s a design idea that, while not edible, will satisfy your urge for color and simple design. And this time, it’s light, and won’t cause you extra time at the gym!

Take lengths of standard PVC pipe, measure and cut them in comparable lengths. But, before you cut, think about where you want to display your Pixie Sticks, if you are going to use them indoors or outside. If you’re using them outside, you might want them longer. You may want to cluster your pipe pieces, so think about using units of three pipe pieces. Yes, as usual, ‘three’ is your magic design number.

Using a drill, you want to drill many holes in random spots up and down the length of a pipe. Yes, ‘many.’ While drilling is tedious, remember the more holes you create, the more light will pour out. And don’t drill your light holes uniformly because you want scattered pinpoints of light, not rows.

Once you have plenty of holes drilled, then you want to think about color. You’re going to spray paint your pipes, and you’re only as limited as there are colors of spray paint. In this example, I used red, because they were incorporated into my holiday design. Any metallic you use would be great for year-round effect, orange for Halloween or Thanksgiving, blue for Hanukkah, or any other color or combination of colors to evoke any feeling or holiday you wish.

When painted, cram your pipes with ordinary holiday light strings. The more the better.

If you use your Pixie Sticks indoors, they become part of holiday structure, and are a nice foil for round ornaments. They can be hung, piled up, or even propped in corners. And another benefit to using PVC pipes is that they’re so lightweight, if you wish to suspend them, it’s easy.

And, if used outdoors, they take on a sculptural feel, and can be used alone or in conjunction with other exterior decoration.

Note how you can set one up, then the next, and then have one leaning into the two. Yep, three pipes have just the right look.

If you place your light sculptures within your landscape, they can mimic slender tree trunks, and form a nice design echo.

All you need is pipe, strings of lights, a drill, and spray paint, and in just a short time, you can create a cool light sculpture to use indoors or out. And not a single calorie was consumed.

Chris H. Olsen is a nationally known home and garden guru, designer, author, TV personality and public speaker. In his book, Chris shares his landscape and gardening knowledge along with his unique flair for home decor and design.He is also a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Learn more about Chris and all of his work at chrisholsen.com.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris H. Olsen: Holiday Pixie Sticks appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Porch Love with the Ladies of Providence Design

ark_admin — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 12:19:24 +0000

[photo source: http://ciaonewportbeach.blogspot.com]

We can’t help but be overcome with Porch Love this time of year. The thought of cooler nights by a fire, the perfect place for a morning cup of coffee, or lounging away on a lazy Sunday afternoon gives us serious porch envy.

[photo source: http://www.marthastewart.com/309572/home-tour-house-on-the-hudson/@center/276999/home-tours]

[photo source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/mediterranean]

[photo source: http://blog.styleestate.com/style-estate-blog/50-stunning-outdoor-living-spaces.html#at_pco=cfd-1.0&at_ab=per-2&at_pos=2&at_tot=20&at_si=539f6953723077e9]

[photo source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/porch/p/8]

You will find us on the porch all fall until the winter air chases us inside. What about you?

Its your turn. Lets talk (on the porch).

Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.

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Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Layering Texture and Pattern

ark_admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 09:28:56 +0000

(Tricia Guild Pattern, 2008, Quadrille Publishing)

As a designer, I am constantly asked how to achieve depth and layering in rooms for that “full” and luxurious feel. There really is a simple method to the mixing of patterns.

You simply start with a larger more “dominant ” pattern that you truly love and work from that pattern. As long as you stay in the same tones and color palette or a complimentary color it’s really a “no fail” system.

(Tricia Guild Pattern, 2008, Quadrille Publishing)

For instance, if you start with a large overscale floral, your second pattern might be a plaid or stripe that brings in all the colors in the floral.

Then you would bring in a textural solid to anchor the room (maybe as a sofa)…a texture with a strong hand can act as a pattern without fighting the patterns already chosen. Then you pull from the original pattern and find a pattern with “movement” in a complimentary color. This brings the third layer of the design. A geometric pattern adds a quirky punch for further layering. Within each layer you are bringing in more depth and interest in you room.

(Chalres Faudree Details 2011 Gibbs M. Smith, Inc.)

Next look for a small print, perhaps a herringbone or even a ottoman fabric with another texture that reads both pattern AND hand. As we build on these textiles it makes for a room that has an air of sophistication and an”old-world feel.” In English country homes you will find patterns and textures so plentiful that they spill off the furnishings.

Once you master mixing patterns you will have a whole different outlook on the world of textiles and the endless possibilities offered by fabric and the fabrication available to you in your design.
Tune in next month for my current project!

Kelli Wilson is the creative mind behind Kelli Wilson Consulting. She is the resident designer at Designer Effects, a to-the-trade fabric showroom located in Little Rock.

The post Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Layering Texture and Pattern appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Get Real…Estate: Lindsey Binz Shares Fall DIY Ideas

ark_admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 12:04:25 +0000

Kraftmint

Whether your house is on the market, or you just like to entertain,

it’s time to get your house show ready for Fall. In addition to the usual cleaning and organizing tips, here are a few fun ideas to freshen up for Fall! After enjoying that trip to the pumpkin patch with the family,

Photo Credit: Real Simple magazine

Make a number pumpkin.

Start with a white pumpkin. Drill pilot holes in the pumpkin to make attaching the numbers easier. Use your address number, and place it near your front door to greet guests. Or, add your favorite digits and use it inside.

lowes

Try layering up your foyer table with cute fabric pumpkins. I purchased these at Hobby Lobby a couple of years ago.

Lindsey Binz Home

Make or Buy a few Sweater Pillows to add a layer of cozy to make guests feel more at home.

West Elm

Click direct link below photo for tutorial on how to make them at home.

Thewonderforest

One good rule of thumb is only use if it’s

P R E T T Y

P R A C T I C A L

O R

P U R P O E S F U L

Deviantart

So clean up all that junk and free up more time to spend with friends and family

out in the beauty of fall

Etsy

While you are out, collect some branches to

Add some rustic (FREE) beauty to your decor with twig candle holders.

This DIY project is simple and natural, using just a flat candle holder (check thrift stores or Dollar Tree), garden pruners, craft adhesive and dry tree or shrub branches.

The same concept could be used on vases or other decorative items.

Click direct link below photo for Tutorial

Etsy

I hope you all stay cozy in your homes this fall and that you remember

Hannah Rose Beasley

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company,

a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s).

If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too!

Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

The post Get Real…Estate: Lindsey Binz Shares Fall DIY Ideas appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Initial Impressions

ark_admin — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 22:34:22 +0000

Feature photography by Matthew Martin

Traditional elements fill the pages of our October issue. Today, this beautiful vignette that features a monogrammed Napoleon-era locking jewelry box with key from Ellen Golden Antiques in Little Rock is our color inspiration. With a rich bold palette of black, gold, brown and cream, this piece will last through generations and go with any backdrop. All our Style finds also feature one traditional element that will never go out of style–the monogram. To see this piece and many more stylish items, click here or find a copy of the October issue on newsstands.

Want more timeless black and gold inspiration? Scroll down to find our inspiration board below, which includes a mix of black and gold images we gathered from around the web, all inspired by this timeless antique jewelry box.

{paint colors: black fox; chantilly lace; independent gold}

{inspiration images, clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 }

The post Color Coordinated: Initial Impressions appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Rewriting the Rules, Guest Bedroom

ark_admin — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:03:20 +0000

To see the progress at the “Out of the Box House,” read Daniel Keeley’s past updates!

In this month’s October issue, Joshua Plumlee with Cobblestone & Vine shakes up traditional design for a Little Rock fun-loving family. Plumlee uses color, art, and custom furnishings throughout the home and in the process writes his own rules on traditional design. In the guest room, seen here, Plumlee chose a deep aubergine for the walls, which is the perfect backdrop for the room’s white and gold art, furnishings, and accessories. “They love interesting art; they love color,” says Plumlee of the homeowners. The result of this whole-home transformation is a moody and glamorous–yet inviting–home that delights in its own eccentricities and offers a unique take on traditional home decor. We’ve gathered a few things to help you get the look in your own home. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the new October issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Rewriting the Rules, Guest Bedroom appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Arkansas in the Making: Laura Dro Designs

ark_admin — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 16:03:37 +0000

Arkansas in the Making is a series of interviews featuring local artisans, their workspaces and accoutrements. For this post, we interviewed Laura Dro, an artist and textile designer transplanted to our fair state from sunny Florida.

AT HOME IN ARKANSAS: Define your personal style in 6 words. LAURA DRO: colorful, trendy, fresh, eclectic, whimsical and beachy. My personal style definitely leaks into my artwork.

AHIA: What are your current obsessions? LD: I’m currently obsessed with my baby! Also, I would say that I’m obsessed with Instagram, Pineapples, my new collection of Lucite tray patterns, and my new collection of paintings.

AHIA: What color could you not live without? LD: This is a tough one for me. When asked what my favorite color is, I usually say: “Color!” But if I had to pick a few, my artwork always has some shade of orangey-coral, pink, and turquoise. I truly can’t pick a favorite color though.

AHIA: Tell us about why you make what you make: a history, timeline or some sort of list. LD: I am obsessed with bright, fresh, and sunny colors. Color is the center of all of my work. I love coming up with unique color-ways for paintings/patterns and turning that into a piece of art that can be incorporated in someone’s home or place of business. I started out several years ago designing custom wedding invitations and stationery when I was living in Chicago. Eventually, I was able to hone in on what artwork and patterns I loved. Next, I signed up for Surtex (a trade show in NYC) and was able to land several licensing contracts through doing so. After working with such great companies over the past few years, I wanted to be able to provide people a way to get my paintings and patterns directly from the artist. That eventually led me to developing my website and selling prints, patterns, and the Lucite trays that I do today! I love collaborating with other artists and companies, and am always looking for new fun and interesting things to do with my artwork.

AHIA: What is your greatest achievement or goal for your brand? LD: Recently, I’ve had some amazing opportunities and I still have to pinch myself about them. A shoe that I designed for Bucketfeet was picked up by Nordstrom, both in-stores and online. Also, a collection of my paintings can be found in HomeGoods stores across country. The best thing about both of these opportunities was that I was able to put my name on both of the products!

AHIA: What is your go-to for a quick burst of inspiration? LD: As long as the weather is nice and sunny, there is no stopping me! But, if it’s one of the dreary winter days, I love just playing around with watercolors and inks, it helps me stay loose and create unique color-ways that I eventually use in paintings or patterns. I try to stay away from the internet when I need inspiration so I can truly let my own creativity flow.

AHIA: Which of your tools is most important for your work? Describe it, how long you’ve had it, etc. LD: I could not live without my Bamboo Wacum tablet. It’s basically a digital sketchbook that I can use in Illustrator and Photoshop. It gives my designs an expressionistic and hand-drawn look because they are..just digitally! I’ve had it for three years and it has changed the overall look of my patterns quite significantly.

AHIA: What makes your workspace, studio, etc. uniquely yours? LD: Aside from the bouncy chair for my infant and the dog bed that are both at my side, I have an amazing worktable/storage unit my husband built for me. The top lifts up and I put all my messy paints and artwork inside. Having enough table space to spread out and create on is very important for a studio. Also, my studio is here at home and that is very important to me so I can be with my little baby!

AHIA: To an aspiring artisan, what would you say is the most important part of doing creative work? LD: To an aspiring artist, I would simply say to be original and make several pieces to show the range of your style. Just having a few pieces won’t convey what you’re trying to do. A collection should be eight to 10 pieces, whether it’s photography, paintings, or illustrations. The more you have the better people can relate. I think quote by an unknown author says it best..”Be yourself. An original is worth more than a copy.”

AHIA: How does your lifestyle support your work? LD: I would say that I’m a fun, colorful, vibrant, and happy person and that my artwork is a reflection of that.

AHIA: What do you want your customers to know about you and your work? LD: I put so much passion and energy into every piece that I do, and I want to share that with as many people out there as I can. I am constantly producing new collections of artwork, prints, and patterns with the hopes that I can continue to expand and grow, so I can bring color AHIA: Within the field of your work, who is your greatest inspiration/influence/role model, etc? LD: Growing up in Florida, it’s impossible not to mention Lilly Pulitzer and her whimsical patterns as a huge influence on my work. Her patterns and artwork are easily recognizable and I really hope that will be the case with my art one day! A more current artist/designer is Lulu deKwiatkowski–LuLu DK–she is definitely a role model to me. She has amazing work in both the art and design industry. She creates amazing collages and paintings which influence her fabric and textile lines. Her work also has a beachy-sunny vibe that I am always drawn to.

Thank you, Laura! And as a bonus for you, today, Laura is giving away a 12″x12″ Lucite tray! To enter: go and “Like” t he Laura Dro Designs Facebook page, then “Like” the At Home in Arkansas Facebook page and let us know you’ve done so by leaving a comment below! A winner will be selected at random on next Wednesday, October 8th, at 4pm, so be sure to check back to see if you won. Best of luck! [This giveaway is now closed: And the winner is….Katie Grant Holley! Katie–To claim your prize email our Online Content Editor at ashley@athomearkansas.com CONGRATS! And thanks to everyone who entered.]

Find Laura Dro Designs: WEBSITE/FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM /PINTEREST

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Outside the Box with D. Keeley: October Update

ark_admin — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 08:08:04 +0000

Well, autumn is officially here, and you can definitely feel it here in the northwest part of the state. We have already seen temperatures in the upper 30’s and low 40’s, and I am enjoying it immensely. This time of year, I love to crank open all the windows and fill the house with the smells and sounds of the crisp, fall air. The garden seems to be enjoying the new season, as well!

At the front entry, the ornamental grasses are in bloom, and the Fescue lawn is loving the cool weather. Most of the annuals in the large urns had run their course, so we removed those and will replace them with something more seasonally appropriate, so stay tuned next month for that!

At the street (and elsewhere) the white begonias continue to thrive. It almost looks like this boxwood cone in floating on a cloud!

Around back, we have been getting the outdoor living spaces ready for fall entertaining by cleaning up, preparing the fire pit and by adding little flourishes here and there, including this centerpiece.

This is something you can easily recreate, and it makes an interesting focal point during any season. We simply took a large, shallow container that was lying around the house and filled it with several sandblasted Manzanita branches. This is a particularly sculptural branch I like to use when decorating, and we rely on them year-round for arrangements, special displays and holiday decor. If you prefer, you could use branches harvested from around your own garden. Next we placed a dozen or so Tillandsia plants among the twisted branches. These easy-care, exotic plants give the arrangement an edgy, yet natural, look and are about as low-maintenance as it gets. They do not require any soil to live and simply have to be soaked or misted on a regular basis. You can find Tillandsia and other ‘air plants’ (as they are called) at your local garden nursery or florist.

Other than keeping up with seasonal chores around the house, as I mentioned last month, I recently took my first trip to Charleston, South Carolina. I can not believe it has taken me so long to visit this wonderful, historic city, but ‘better late than never’ right? I am absolutely in love with the culture, cuisine and charm of this gracious southern town and can not wait to go back. My trip was a social one: visiting friends, going to the beach and eating too much! But, of course, I couldn’t help keeping an eye out for examples of the passion for garden and design for which Charleston is known. Below are some of the things that caught my eye and that I managed to capture…usually while biking past. In fact my friends and I traveled almost exclusively by bicycle throughout my stay, and that was one of the most charming aspects of the entire trip! Each image has one or more details that could easily serve as inspiration for a fun fall home and garden project. This entry grabbed my attention for several reasons including beautiful architectural details, mood-setting gas lanterns and traditional iron urns. At the same house, asparagus fern draped elegantly from baskets at each window.

This home was similarly captivating, with its gorgeous front door and the interesting way the vines have been trained around the lampposts. It, too, was further decorated with colorful window boxes and planters lining the walk.

This building may be missing a shutter, but the window boxes look great! I thought these were particularly attractive.

Gates are one of my favorite garden design elements. I love how creeping fig vine has completely covered this garden entry…

…and how the view through this garden gate is so mysteriously inviting.

This entry I found perfectly complete in its simplistic charm. Sometimes a couple of nice planters is all you need!

Equally simple, yet sophisticated, was this front entry walk. Boxwood is my favorite shrub, and these clipped hedges make a deliberate, yet unpretentious, statement.

Slightly bolder, but still refined and elegant, was this basket-weave boxwood parterre. This is right up my alley! The powerful, central placement of the urn as a focal point with respect to the large parlor window, as well as the position of the ornamental tree and adjustment in hedge treatment to correspond with the side porch, shows that someone gave the design of this small garden a lot of thought.

Finally, this stunning and serene pool setting. I almost rode right past this one, but I caught it out of the corner of my eye and had to turn around. What I find most attractive about this scene is the scale of the Italian Cypress across the back side of the pool, the dark plaster color which turns the pool into a reflecting pond and the placement of the four planters at the corners of the pool.

Like I said, Charleston definitely knows how to Live Outside the Box and has been doing so for a long time now. I am excited to go back soon and explore even further the garden and design history of this southern beauty. I am also very excited to inform you that the November issue of At Home in Arkansas will contain a fall outdoor entertaining feature, highlighting areas of the garden you have never seen before, decorating ideas for autumn get-togethers, as well as the culinary talents of my friend, Chef Jen Lewis. So be sure to look out for next month’s magazine, and come back here to visit, too!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: October Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Past in the Present, Dining Room

ark_admin — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 08:15:15 +0000

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We’re bringing you a soft and chic color palette this morning from Little Rock designer Debi Davis. In our new October issue she shares her own home with us, which is filled with European-antique-inspired furnishings that fill the home with a sense of history and character. Before Davis moved in, the dining room, shown above, was orange Venetian plaster. Davis has personalized the home by bringing in her signature delicate color palette of creams and whites. “I never want one piece—either a rug or piece of furniture or art—to be too heavy,” says Davis. “This way the eye keeps moving around the room.” See more of Davis’ home–and her Reborn Relics line of furniture and accessories–in the October feature online here or find a copy on newsstands.

Want more inspiration? Scroll down to find our inspiration board below, which includes a mix of beautiful images and a soft paint palette we gathered from around the web.

{paint colors: moccasin; alchemy; sweet gardenia}

{inspiration images, clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 }

The post Color Coordinated: Past in the Present, Dining Room appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Found it! Friday: ORANGE

ark_admin — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 07:46:56 +0000

We asked our team what their favorite orange items of the moment are. Here’s what they found:

Tiffany Burgess, Managing Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: Orange Melamine Mixing Bowls

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: Fall makes me want to mix up a batch of pumpkin bread or muffins. These orange mixing bowls are the perfect hue for the season.

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Williams-Sonoma

Chip Jones, Editor in Chief WHAT HE FOUND: A gingham shirt

WHAT HE SAID ABOUT IT: I love a Gingham shirt and this time of year makes me want to wear Orange. A Ralph Lauren Gingham button-down is one of my all time favorites.

WHERE HE FOUND IT: Ralph Lauren

Kelly Frazier, Publisher/Owner WHAT SHE FOUND: Decorative accents

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: I love a splash of orange in a room…like these pillows!

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Burnham Design on Houzz

Emilie Head, Account Executive WHAT SHE FOUND: Homemade Orange Sweet Rolls

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: My fiancé absolutely loves Pillsbury’s Orange Sweet Rolls. This homemade version looks even sweeter. I will definitely be baking up a batch of these this fall!

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Sally’s Baking Addiction

Zoe Barton, Editorial Intern WHAT SHE FOUND: Studded Coral Clutch

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: When fall comes around, my wardrobe starts to showcase the colors of the season. My favorite way is to add a pop of color with any accessory, whether it be a pair of bold earrings, or a twist on a classic clutch like this one from Riff Raff.

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Riff Raff

The post Found it! Friday: ORANGE appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Rewriting the Rules, Entry

ark_admin — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 08:54:33 +0000

Happy October! In this month’s new issue, we share new takes on traditional design. This week’s Room of the Week features a Little Rock family who turned to designer Joshua Plumlee at Cobblestone & Vine to help bridge the gap between the classic look of their Heights home and their distinctive style. The front entry, seen above, is one of our favorite spaces. The interior of the front door and its surround are painted black to draw attention to its shapeliness and to add drama, while a Chinese Chippendale chair and an X-bench with traditional silhouettes are updated with fresh design details and fabrics. Plumlee used color, art, and custom furnishings to make the home a reflection of its fun-loving owners. We’ve gathered a few items to help you get the look, but contact Plumlee for all your design questions. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the new October issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Rewriting the Rules, Entry appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Monogrammed Bedding

ark_admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 04:21:48 +0000

One of my first jobs ever was as a Sales Associate at Yves Delorme on Kavanaugh in Little Rock. If you haven’t been in there, it’s a fabulous little shop filled with some of the best bedding on Earth. It was such a pleasure to work with such beautiful fabrics on a daily basis. And while I’ve always loved a monogrammed sheet or towel, I really fell in love with embroidered monograms there. I saw the endless styles, fonts and possibilities and what they could bring to a bedding ensemble. There’s nothing more special than something personalized, and what’s more personal than your bedroom? So, as I plan on revamping my sheets (yet again), I’ve got monograms on my mind. Here I’ve gathered my favorite monogramtastic photos for some inspiration. Enjoy!

Mary McDonald

Meg Lonergan of LeSuer Interiors

via Savvy Home Blog

Bailey McCarthy

via The Zuzsh

Aerin Lauder

via Decor Pad

At Home in Arkansas

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Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Heads-Up!

ark_admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 04:21:21 +0000

Don’t you just hate it when pumpkins get lazy? They congregate in dim corners and just sort of sit around, or they roll into each other, cheek-to-jowl? Passive and refusing to participate in what’s going on around them? Well….You can energize them, put them to work for you, rev up your decorating, and bring something unexpected to unexpected places. All you have to do is look up.

Seek those high points in your home, like shelves and the tops of cabinets or armoires. Think about what’s below, on those shelves, or featured—your collectables—and shop for pumpkins, mini-pumpkins and gourds that will bring out the life in what you already have. Think about scale, variety, color. Scale is important because you don’t want a pumpkin so large it ‘looms’ above you and your guests, and takes two people to lift up onto the surface above. And color is also something that you want to consider, because you want to complement what you already have in the room, or provide a nice contrast.

As you get your look assembled above, be sure and use some of the same elements below, which will create uniformity in your design, and even make your space appear larger. You don’t want your design to seem too polished, so look around at the pieces you already own and try and incorporate them into your look.

Don’t be afraid to bring your display into really unexpected places, like these kitchen shelves. These -out-of-the-way places serve as great little vignettes for seasonal produce heaped into a few similar bowls. Note the blown-glass irregular shaped vessels are the perfect receptacle for pumpkins and squash because they don’t obscure the fruit within, or make your design too heavy overhead.

While you’re creating a sort of natural design, go outside and find some things growing around your yard that will help you create a design point. Cut branches make a sort of ‘nest’ for this pair of pumpkins. The column capitals were nice and level, which meant the pumpkins would be fine resting on top. But the insertion of a few small stripped limbs around them gives the look a bit of texture and whimsy, which is always good.

When we think of pumpkins, of course we think of the color orange. So try to bring in a hue not as shopworn. ‘Ghost’ pumpkins are now easy to find, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And by using such a pale color above, the design is not nearly as heavy as it would have been with the tried-and-true hot-toned pumpkin.

All you have to do to give your design that extra pop is elevate it. Use your seasonal elements in unexpected places—as high up as you can—and don’t forget the good design trinity: scale, variety, color. You will enjoy the seasonal transition much more and all with only a few new ideas or elements. And it can all start with you looking up for inspiration.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Heads-Up! appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Heights Taco & Tamale Co. Menu Preview, Pt 2

ark_admin — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:50:49 +0000

As promised, we are back today with yet another mouthwatering recipe from the test kitchen of Heights Taco & Tamale Co. And we are taking on world-class tamales! Here’s the recipe (you’re gonna earn that deliciousness!):

Corn Masa Pork Tamales
Meat Filling

2 pounds pork shoulder

6 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, peeled and rough chopped

4 cloves garlic, rough chopped

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded

2 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded

2 cloves garlic, rough chopped

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Tamale Dough
4 cups masa harina

1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup lard or shortening

3 cups pork or chicken broth

Additional Ingredients
24 large dried corn husks

Preparing the Meat Filling

Cut the pork shoulder into 3-4 equal pieces. Place the pork meat in a 4-6 quart pot with the onion, garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Fill the pot with 6 cups chicken broth. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until the meat is completely cooked and very tender (about 1-2 hours).

Let the cooked pork cool before shredding it. Reserve the pork broth for making the tamale dough.

While the meat is cooking, simmer the dried ancho and guajillo chilies in 2 cups of water for 10 min. Let cool slightly. Puree the chilies (drained, discard water), 2 cloves of garlic, chili powder, cinnamon, and ground cumin with 2 cups of pork broth until smooth, (be very careful pureeing hot liquids as the top of the blender will have a tendency to pop off and make a mess or worse!). Pour the chili puree over the shredded pork and mix until well combined.

Season with more salt and pepper, if necessary. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Preparing the corn husks
In a large bowl, cover the corn husks with boiling water. Cover and let set for about an hour or until the corn husks are soft and pliable.

Rinse the corn husks with cold water to remove any dirt and residue. Pat the corn husks with a kitchen towel until completely dry. Masa doesn’t stick to wet corn husks.

Making the Masa
In a medium bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the lard with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.

With your electric mixer still on medium-high, beat in the masa harina, one cup at a time until no dry bits of masa harina are visible (Mixture will be grainy). Reduce the electric mixer speed to low and stir in 3 cups of very warm pork or chicken broth until it has all been absorbed. Using your hands, press the mixture together to form a dough.

Now let’s make some tamales!

Spoon about 1/4 cup of dough onto each corn husk. You could spread the masa with a spoon, but I think it’s much easier to flatten it with your fingertips. A good rule of thumb is to flatten the masa to about a 1/4-inch thickness across two-thirds of the corn husk, leaving a 1/4-inch space on one side and the top, and about a 3-inch space at the bottom.

Spoon a couple tablespoons of the meat filling down the center of the masa.

Starting at the 1/4-inch edge, gently fold your tamale in thirds, then tuck in the ends. This is the easiest way to wrap tamales. The process will get easier with each tamale you make. Practice makes perfect! Place the tamales seam-side down on a large plate, until you’ve finished with all of the tamales.

Fill the bottom of an 8 to 10-quart tamale steamer (or large vegetable steamer) just to the bottom of the ridge where the steamer insert rests. Place the insert inside the tamale steamer and arrange the tamales loosely so the steam can circulate. Cover and cook over high heat for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.

Great with red chili sauce, beef chili, cheese dip, hot sauce, and/or salsa.

For more recipes from the Heights Taco & Tamale Co. test kitchen, see Pt 1 of this menu preview: Paloma and Pico Recipes And to see all of the images of the dinner party and read our interview with executive chef Scott McGehee read the article: “Prep School.”

The post Heights Taco & Tamale Co. Menu Preview, Pt 2 appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Prep School Tabletop

ark_admin — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 06:24:12 +0000

There’s a new spin on Tex-Mex in town and it’s inspiring our color palette this week. Heights Taco & Tamale Company will be open later this fall, and we couldn’t be more excited. The culinary geniuses behind the brand gave us a glimpse into the test kitchen. “Mexican food is in my blood,” says Scott McGehee, executive chef of Yellow Rocket Concepts and one of four owners of the group’s newest venture, Heights Taco & Tamale Company. With their fresh take on Mexican food, comes a light and colorful palette with natural textures. The table setting says it all; casual and comfortable, just as the newly renovated restaurant will be. We’ve pulled together a palette that’s sure to inspire. Click here to read the full story online or grab a copy of the September “Kitchen & Bath” issue on newsstands now.

Want more inspiration? Scroll down to find our inspiration board below, which includes a mix of images and paint colors we gathered from around the web. It’s all inspired by this beautiful and simple table setting. Take a look.

{paint colors: blue; creamery; honeybell; lark green}

{inspiration images, clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 }

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Room of the Week: Water Colors

ark_admin — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 06:29:07 +0000

vanity light | faucet | bath towels | vase | hardware

This week’s Room of the Week is a Little Rock riverfront master bath remodel that is a showstopper. With floor-to-ceiling tile, it gives these homeowners an elegant, spa-like retreat. Designers Scott Paterek and Tammie Weaver of Massimo Interior Design began the project with a cramped and confining space. The team worked with the 13-foot room width and placed the bath in a deep bay, with picture windows on three sides. Extended closets and space for the toilet were added behind the shower, which allowed for an entirely open and symmetrical room design. Identical floating Wenge wood vanities are situated opposite one another, and the mirror hanging above each reflects the river, further enhancing the expansive feeling of the space. We don’t think they missed one detail. We’ve hunted the web and gathered a few items to help you get the look. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the September “Kitchen & Bath” issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Water Colors appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Inviting Fireplaces

ark_admin — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:24:57 +0000

Fall is here! It’s finally here! Football, cooler temps, gorgeous leaves, cozy sweaters–there is so much to love about this season.

As a child, many of my memories took shape around the fireplace in my parents’ home. Mastering the art of roasting marshmallows to the perfect shade of brown. Watching my architect dad spend the weekend giving our fireplace a new look. Warming our hands by the fire during one of the many memorable Arkansas ice storms. With fall officially upon us, let’s take a look at a few fireplace before & afters that will be sure warm your heart.

Before, this brick fireplace felt out of balance, but with the addition of new built-ins, a fresh coat of white paint and a new mantle, this fireplace makeover took the overall feel from dated to darling.

Over at The Pear Tree Cottage, you can read all about how this fireplace underwent a serious facelift. With the addition of a new mantle and the ever-popular couple of coats of white paint to conceal an overload of pink brick, this fireplace transformed into an instant classic.

And then there is this masterpiece of a fireplace makeover. Bliss at Home went all out when they decided to give their stone fireplace a serious spruce. New tile, white paint (surprise!) and a freshly updated mantle. Talk about a head turner.

And now for my favorite fireplace transformation. Cool fall breezes AND the warm glow of a fire? Sign me up for relaxing in this screened porch pick-me-up. The addition of a stacked-stone fireplace to this outdoor space was spot on.

Whether you decide to give your fireplace a completely new look or opt for a fresh coat of paint for a quick boost, a fireplace makeover is a fun way to give a focal point in your home some fall TLC.

Cara Hazlewood is a real estate broker and a devoted do-it-yourself-er. She writes about her home transformations on her blog, Live the Home Life.

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Room of the Week: A Smooth Transition

ark_admin — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 08:05:40 +0000

pendant | bar stool | faucet | hood | mixer

Our Kitchen & Bath issue is packed full of design inspiration and this kitchen features a sleek design that is big on style. For homeowner Diann Hurley, who had recently downsized, a simple style with abundant storage was high priority, so she traded lower cabinets for drawers. A trio of beaded pendants from Lighting Emporium brings in the room’s red accent color along with a touch of glamour. Sleek, wood-and-metal barstools offer low seating without disturbing the view into the adjacent den. Both the embossed crocodile countertops and the articulating faucet—which is operated with a joy stick—are conversation starters on the kitchen’s large island. We’ve gathered a few items to help you get the look. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the September “Kitchen & Bath” issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: A Smooth Transition appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Silk

ark_admin — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 11:55:55 +0000

Silk has long been understood to be one of the most historically important and luxurious textiles used in interior design. Some of the cities and regions on the ancient silk route are Damasacus (where we derive the word “damask”), Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and the Taklamakan Desert. But today, silk can be purchased from any of the luxury fabric lines that we carry. It is used in various ways throughout our design projects and always inspires us with its beauty and strength, as well as its ability to take and hold dye. The ability to hold true to color is one of the things that makes silk so desirable and valuable.

The most common and practical function for silk is fabrication into bedding and draperies. Most silks lend themselves beautifully to intricate drapery design; the fuller the better! The hand and “drape-ability” is fabulous. I do recommend that they are lined with a blackout lining and that you use interlining, as the sun does tend to fade them (especially on West-facing windows).

I am currently working on a huge project that involves the extensive use of silks in various treatments and fabrications throughout the design of the home. I have had a beautiful Lee Jofa Damask paper back to be applied on the walls in the entry with a coordinating stripe running down the hallway. We are using a large custom Oscar De La Renta print silk in the drawing room for fabulous, period-specific window treatments. There are silk Velvets, silk sheers, a tailored bed skirt…on and on!

Also just finished this home design, in which I mixed all patterns and colors of silk together to give this home a real “country English” feel. Some of the finest textiles available were used on this job. The bed hangings were made of three different silks plus a silk trim: spectacular! See what I mean about the countless possible uses for silk?!

Be sure to tune in next month for more Textiles!!

Kelli Wilson is the creative mind behind Kelli Wilson Consulting. She is the resident designer at Designer Effects, a to-the-trade fabric showroom located in Little Rock.

The post Talking Textiles with Kelli Wilson: Silk appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Round Top Ready with the Ladies of Providence Ltd.

ark_admin — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 06:33:12 +0000

It’s that time of year again: the sisters are off to Round Top to find all kinds of things, both for our retail store and for clients!

This time we are asking YOU to give us YOUR shopping list and let us search for you.

Let’s take a look at some of the awesome finds from past trips.

We always find really unique, cool, old doors. Many of which we have built into clients’ homes as fully functional doors.

We love when we stumble across any old architectural elements.

We use them in our designs all the time. Hanging on a wall, sitting on a console; we even take fragments and make them into a one-of-a-kind piece. Like these shutters, for instance:

Now look how awesome they are hung on a wall as a base for layering objects on top!

The above shutters were recently purchased from our store and graced the cover of the newest issue of At Home in Arkansas! How much fun to imagine all the places these old shutters have been before.

Maybe you are in need of a new piece of furniture for that special spot in your home?

We found this piece at Round Top and it ended up in a client’s Breakfast Room.

We find some great pieces for that small spot, like benches for extra seating.

Maybe you don’t need furniture, but you’re still in luck: we find some of the coolest accessories and wall hanging pieces!

We are packing our bags and making our list, but there is still time. Send us your shopping list and you never know what we might find! HAHA

To contact us…

Providence Design Store (ask for Zac) – 501-372-1886

or email providencedesignltd@gmail.com

Be sure to come and check out our finds on October 23rd from 5-8 at our Anniversary Party, located at our retail store…

Providence Design

2212 Cantrell Road

Little Rock, AR 72202

Are you Round Top Ready?

Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.

The post Round Top Ready with the Ladies of Providence Ltd. appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Heights Taco & Tamale Co. Menu Preview, Pt 1

ark_admin — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:14:31 +0000

If you’re looking forward to the grand opening of Heights Taco & Tamale Company half as much as we are, then you’ll love to try out these recipes from our menu preview entertaining story. Read the entire article and see more photos at the September article, “Prep School.” For today, we’re bringing you the recipes for the HT&TCo. Arkansas Heirloom Tomato Pico de Gallo and a Paloma cocktail made with Stiegl Radler. Next week, in Part 2, we’ll be sharing the recepie for pulled-pork tamales. Yum! Enjoy.

ARKANSAS HEIRLOOM TOMATO PICO DE GALLO

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups carefully diced Arkansas heirloom tomatoes (in season only)

1/4 cup finely diced red onion

2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeno (with seeds for spicier, without for less)

1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic

Juice of 2 medium limes

3 tablespoons cilantro, plus extra for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix all ingredients very carefully so as not to release the seeds from the tomatoes.

PALOMA COCKTAIL, MADE WITH STIGEL RADLER

1.5 to 2oz Tequila (Blanco or Reposado)
Small pinch kosher salt
0.5oz orange liqueur or simple syrup (optional, based on desired sweetness level)
Shake and Strain over ice in 12oz Collins Glass
Fill with Stiegl Grapefruit Radler
Stir gently with long barspoon or swizzle stick
Garnish with slice of fresh grapefruit

To learn more about the new Heights restaurant, to see more images from this exciting menu preview meal, and to read our interview with Executive Chef Scott McGehee, click here. Next week: PULLED-PORK TAMALES!

The post Heights Taco & Tamale Co. Menu Preview, Pt 1 appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: All Together Now

ark_admin — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 06:36:52 +0000

Happy Monday! Hope you had a great weekend. Today we’re getting our inspiration from designer Courtney Stone’s recent renovation of her parents’ El Dorado kitchen. Stone, a designer with Sydney Murphy Design in downtown El Dorado, grew up in this 1927 colonial-style home; she therefore knows the space and understands that changes must occur to continue to accommodate her parents’ needs. To encourage the marriage of old and new, Stone incorporated rich woods into the new modern white palette with wood cabinetry in the kitchen, as well as in the wood-grain porcelain floor tiles. For added color, Stone brought in a yellow, gray, and white ikat fabric on the upholstered furniture in the built-in desk area (seen here) and also in the attached seating area. Find the full story online here, or grab a copy of the September “Kitchen & Bath” issue on newsstands now.

Want more inspiration? Scroll down to find our inspiration board below, which includes a mix of images and paint colors we gathered from around the web, all inspired by this modern meets traditional kitchen renovation.

{paint colors: extra white; shortbread; graytint}

{inspiration images, clockwise from top left: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 }

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Found it! Friday: Wonderful Walls

ark_admin — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 09:40:49 +0000

We asked out staff for their favorite wallpaper, wallcovering, and wall decor ideas. Here’s what they found:

Emilie Head, Account Executive WHAT SHE FOUND: an idea for sprucing up your fifth “wall”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Urban Source Chicago

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I love the idea of using a patterned wallpaper or a fun stencil on a ceiling. It adds a lot of interest to a small space like this powder room!”

Tiffany Burgess Adams, Managing Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: hand-painted wallpaper by Gracie

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Gracie

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I love this hunt scene for fall. I can’t imagine having hand-painted wallpaper. It would be like living inside a work of art!”

Chip Jones, Editor in Chief WHAT HE FOUND: Wallpapers from Elizabeth Hamilton

WHERE HE FOUND IT: Elizabeth Hamilton Collection

WHAT HE SAID ABOUT IT: “I love their simple, classic appeal. The color palette in her collection is perfect – nothing too trendy or bold.”

Mandy Keener, Art Director WHAT SHE FOUND: a rug-on-the-wall trend

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Design Sponge

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I‘m all about this whole hang-your-Kelim-on-the-wall situation that I keep seeing everywhere.”

Love these ideas? Share YOURS in the comments below!

The post Found it! Friday: Wonderful Walls appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Classic Twist

ark_admin — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 06:23:32 +0000

wallpaper | chandelier | circular hardware | art | vase

Fayetteville homeowner Erin Bridges called upon designer Chris Goddard’s expertise after old man winter caused an unexpected bathroom renovation. Goddard, owner of Goddard Design Group, was already familiar with Bridges’ “classic, but with a twist” personal style, so he created a chic, sleek space with a 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. Pops of gold along with bold artwork add a touch of yellow—homeowner Erin Bridges’ favorite color—to the otherwise gray and white bath. The room’s style factor increased exponentially after this renovation, thanks to Goddard. Follow the links to shop the look with us. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the September “Kitchen & Bath” issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Classic Twist appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Lindsey Binz Helps Us Freshen Up for Fall

ark_admin — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:15:39 +0000

Now that everyone is getting settled back into school and Fall is (almost) underway, it’s time to focus on getting your home ready for the cooler weather. Regardless if you are moving or staying put, a few changes can help your home feel more inviting!

Let’s focus on a few areas that are somewhat easily and quickly attainable. Lighting, Textiles and Art can be done on any (reasonable) budgetand in most cases will add value to your home. Changing out or adding a few fixtures is very easy and can change the feel of a room.

The foyer is the first thing people see when they are welcomed into your home,

why not make it spectacular!

Atlanta Homes

Sconces next to your bed add style and function!

Many are available not hardwired, so all you have to do is hang it up and plug it in to the outlet!

Greigedesign

Pillows, Bedding and Window Treatments

are a great way to add pattern and color to your space that is in no way permanent!

Caitlin Wilson

Why not order a fresh new set of sheets for your bed!

West Elm

Window Treatments don’t have to break the bank.

These fabric roman shades from ETSY add so much to this dining area for under $100 each!

Etsy

Art can completely make an otherwise plain room come to life.

Original art is my absolute favorite.

Yes, it can be pricey, but there are many artists that have great deals.

Especially locals that want to get their art in homes.

If you are going to splurge on one thing, do it with art.

The best thing about it is you can take it anywhere.

My client commissioned this colorful abstract piece for their family room

from local artist Abby Carman

Lindsey Binz Home

My friend and local artist ,Amanda Kella, painted this one. It MAKES this nursery!

Amanda Kella Art

I hope I have inspired you

Let me know how I can help you make a few small changes to your home

Please visit my website when you get a chance

lindseybinzhome.com

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company,

a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s).

If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too!

Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

The post Lindsey Binz Helps Us Freshen Up for Fall appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: September Update

ark_admin — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 06:29:27 +0000

Whoo Pig Sooie! Go Hogs! I am so excited the college football season has started. It always brings such energy to things here in Northwest Arkansas and also signals the pending arrival of autumn…my second favorite season. Although it rained for a good part of game day this past Saturday, the weather eventually cleared, and it has been absolutely gorgeous since. The garden is enjoying the good soaking and cooler temperatures for sure! As I said last month, I like to design a fountain, pool or water feature into a garden whenever possible. As the source of life, water is inherently appealing, and its refreshing, soothing qualities can help transform any outdoor space. We have been working on several projects recently where we were able to introduce water elements, including several fountains and one swimming pool, so I thought I would share them with you. Perhaps it will inspire you to add the element of water to your own exterior spaces! You have seen it before, but this is the fountain in my own garden. It is a custom-made vessel I commissioned from a local concrete artist. Its severe, geometric design is an unexpected and modern contrast to the garden itself which is mostly traditional. It occupies a location that is the intersection of two strong lines of sight and so can be seen (and heard) from almost anywhere in the garden.

This is another vessel fountain we recently installed as part of a courtyard makeover in Little Rock. It consists of a large clay jar that overflows into a precast concrete basin and serves as the primary focal point of the space. Flanked by oversize planters and traditional boxwood, it makes a large and powerful statement in this small outdoor room.

This fountain in Fayetteville is a traditional stone basin with a central water jet. It is nestled in a small, intimate and secluded part of the garden, and nearby benches provide the perfect place to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the water. Thyme and moss around the base of the pool, along with water iris, help give this fountain a sense of age and a casual feel.

Here is another vessel fountain we recently installed in a new front garden in Dallas, Texas. The motion of the water is very subtle, but it is just the dynamic touch this small garden needed and really brings the space to life. The charcoal glaze on the jar mimics the house trim color which, again, keeps the statement this fountain makes somewhat subtle.

At the same house, we designed a simple, elegant and refreshing swimming pool for the rear courtyard. The new stucco wall and lattice fencing will soon be covered with fragrant jasmine and creeping fig vines, giving the entire space a soft, lush feel. Brightly colored planters and accents make the pool area fun and inviting.

Well, I hope that was refreshing! Consider using water to bring new life to your own garden or outdoor living space. Fall is the perfect time to design and plan a water feature, so you can be enjoying it by next spring! Have a wonderful September and come back next month, when I will share photos from my recent trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Believe me: they know how to Live Outside the Box, and I am simply enamored of the whole place!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: September Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Behind the Scenes with IO Metro

ark_admin — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 07:27:46 +0000

The Fall 2014 IO Metro catalog is out this week, and their team invited us to have a behind-the-scenes peek as they staged and photographed the furnishings and home accessories for this season, many of which are customizable to your own home. It was a home decorating inspiration fest! It was a lot of hard work (5 shoot days at 9 hours each, 18 prep days at 8 hours each, 9 takedown days at 4 hours each, and planning time was about 20 hours!), but they sure looked like they were having fun.

The always-stunning Local Art section now also includes Buddy Whitlock, a self-taught Arkansas artist who finds inspiration in color, and interesting shapes. Have a look at some of his work:

Are you as excited as we are about all of these eye-catching offerings? You can visit IO Metro stores (Arkansas locations include Little Rock, Fayetteville, Rogers, and Jonesboro) to browse and bring the looks into your own home (ahem, they also have free design services if you’re not a diy-er), or you can check out their website and follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news. (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram)

The post Behind the Scenes with IO Metro appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Water Colors

ark_admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 09:55:38 +0000

This morning, we’re inspired by the mix of blues and gray used in this Little Rock master bathroom remodel. Scott Paterek and Tammie Weaver of Massimo Interior Design worked in close collaboration with the owners of a riverfront Little Rock home to renovate their master bathroom. Leslie Tetrev of Inside Effects offered her expertise in selecting natural surfaces. The team chose floor-to-ceiling glass tiles to wrap the room in two tones of grayish blue, creating a soothing, watery effect. When the homeowners approached Paterek with the idea of using blue hues—in a home otherwise decorated almost exclusively in neutrals—he knew that the palette he chose would need to carry a lot of gray, in order to avoid a jarring transition into the space. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the September “Kitchen & Bath” issue on newsstands.

In the mood for more? Scroll down to find our inspiration board below, which includes a mix of images and paint colors we gathered from around the web, all inspired by this blue-hued tiled master bathroom.

{paint colors: moody blue, misty, slate blue}

{inspiration images: living room, painted bathtub, bedroom, bathroom, tile close up}

The post Color Coordinated: Water Colors appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Found it! Friday: Our Favorite Hats for Fall

ark_admin — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 06:37:49 +0000

We asked our team to shop for a new favorite fall hat. Here’s what they found:

Emilie Head, Account Executive WHAT SHE FOUND: Black, wide-brimmed hat with braided brown band

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: SteamRoller Blues

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Wide-brimmed hats will be my go-to accessory this fall!”

Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: An American-made, vintage plains boss hat

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: imogene + willie

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “This hat has some serious swagger.”

Laura LaRue, Senior Graphic Designer WHAT SHE FOUND: Blue and white seersucker ball cap with embroidered duck detail

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Southern Marsh

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I love anything seersucker, and this little duck is a sweet touch for my duck-hunting husband.”

The post Found it! Friday: Our Favorite Hats for Fall appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Emerald Jewel

ark_admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:36:43 +0000

faucet | pendant light | hardware | pot filler | barstool

Our September “Kitchen & Bath” issue is out and we’re jumping right in with our first Room of the Week feature showcasing our beautiful and bold cover shot. For homeowners Randy and Lydia James, building houses is a way of life. For more than 26 years, the couple has been working together building homes for Arkansans, so when it came to creating their own dream residence they had a few ideas in mind. “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. The Jameses worked with designer Miguel Newberg of M. N’Teriors on the project. Rich green cabinetry is the focal point, while the kitchen is full of functional details like the touch-release faucet and dish-washing and refrigeration drawers. Plus, the large island and separate breakfast table offer plenty of seating and work great for entertaining. Newberg refers to the space as “casual, welcoming, and family-oriented.” Read the full story online here or find a copy of the September issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Emerald Jewel appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Red Rooms

ark_admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:26:30 +0000

Fall brings about thoughts of crisp, cool weather, Halloween and Thanksgiving on the horizon, and of course, football. Since I went to Ole Miss I will always love the rebels, but my time in Arkansas made me a Razorback fan too of course. And one thing both teams have in common: red. My favorite color to decorate with, red is classic and modern all at once. So, in honor of football season, I’ve rounded up my favorite red rooms. Enjoy!

Garden & Gun

Lonny Magazine

Bailey McCarthy on Design Sponge

Diana Vreeland’s Famous Apartment

Mary McDonald in House Beautiful

Scott Paterak of Massimo in At Home in Arkansas

Miles Redd

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Red Rooms appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: One Plus One Plus One=Late-Season Success

ark_admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 07:00:57 +0000

It’s that time of year; not quite fall, summer not quite run-out, definitely not time to think about end-of-year seasonal decorating. Things look a little worn-out and frazzled. How do you keep your decorating and your pots of plant material looking fresh? One way is to think of a simple composition rule: Three is a much better number than two, or even one.

Instead of a lone plant, a forlorn piece of seasonal produce rolled into a corner, or a plain-vanilla terra cotta pot, you should jazz things up, create an unexpected pairing, and provide a sort of textured layering to it all. And use your equation in all sorts of places, inside and out.

The first element is a great pot. ‘Great’ doesn’t necessarily mean large or expensive. Use something you’re drawn to, something with a sensuous shape, good color and/or texture. Find the appropriate plant for your container, which means thinking about seasonal color and what’s available right now. Bumblebee orchids are a good bet with their ‘hot’ colors, mini pumpkins are coming to market, and an unadorned wall is a good place for a statement. With that pot you found on sale, the statement is complete. The color pops, the combination is unusual, and you’ve given an out-of-the-way location star treatment.

Move on to other pots and other locations. Nurseries this time of year will have hanging plants that might have been with them all season. They’re often lush and low-hanging. Bring one home, and find the right container for it.

You can leave these late-season additions in their plastic growing pots for easy removal, and place on top of existing soil in your larger, ‘featured’ pot. If you use something like a creeper, you get the effect of sprawling vines. And when you plunk down your third element, like this early season pumpkin, your foliage becomes a sort of necklace, or foamy collar. You’ve brought the pumpkin patch indoors, and created a happy combo.

Since we’re not into fall just yet, you’ll want to temper your hot color usage, and think about a color to complement the orange, crimson, or yellow blooms and pumpkins. Blue pots are soothing and provide a cool counterpoint. And your bloom color and pot will pick up other bits of comparable color in the room.

Don’t forget the appeal of texture. There’s nothing quite like a timeworn urn or pot with a glossy plant residing in it. The matte finish of your container is always good counterpoint for shiny foliage, and vice versa.

Gray is the ultimate neutral, and can be found in many areas, including plant material, like the tillandsia added to the pot here. Use the hue with confidence because it makes other colors sing out.

Also, since we’re not farmers, we shouldn’t want to see the soil the plant resides in. This time of year, make Spanish moss your ally, and stuff it around your plantings as a last step. And note you’re using the same color gray to strengthen your design.

Finally, step back and use more elements as needed. A few extras can be tossed underneath and around. And take a look at the surrounding walls. These nailed-up, sawed-off pumpkin halves are an amusing nod to the coming change of season.

Use of an uneven number of elements—a deceptively simple idea—can give oomph to your late season planting and decorating. Don’t be afraid to prove that one plus one plus one can equal a lot more than three, and show off your design prowess in a big way.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: One Plus One Plus One=Late-Season Success appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

One-on-One with Ashley Childers

ark_admin — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 06:45:23 +0000

WHAT ARE YOUR THREE MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR FALL 2014? 1) The Emporium Home “Lauren Sofa” in our yummy petite animal print. Its sexy curves and lush velvet upholstery creates the chicest spot for curling up with a glass of wine on a crisp fall night. 2) An Alicia Adams alpaca throw blanket. There has never been a more stylish way to to keep warm at a Razorback game! 3) Graphic black and white original art. It complements any color palate perfectly and adds a bit of edge to even the most feminine of spaces.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PAINT COLOR AT THE MOMENT? Down Home by Behr. My dining room has been this color for the past two years and I never tire of it. It’s as glorious in the morning sun as it is by candlelight and makes me smile each and every day.

WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU PURCHASED FOR A CLIENT? The Lumens Prism from Pheromone by Christopher Marley. Morpho and Arhopala butterflies create a circular pattern and are brilliantly reflective. The composition is absolutely stunning and the perfect conversation piece.

IS THERE A DESIGN TREND OR PRODUCT YOU AR DYING TO TRY (OR PURCHASE FOR A CLIENT) ASAP? Installing our Emporium Home “Penelope” wallpaper in a dining room would be a dream. I would deck it out with a lavender grass cloth ceiling and crisp white trim, it would be the most fabulous backdrop for a festive Sunday brunch.

WHAT IS ONE DESIGN SECRET YOU CAN SHARE WITH OUR READERS? Always remember how important beautiful lighting is. To me, nothing dictates the way a space makes you feel more than gorgeous lamps, sconces and chandeliers. Take time choosing your lighting and buy what makes your eyes widen with excitement. We all deserve to live with beautiful things and feel completely inspired by our personal spaces.

Ashley’s line, Emporium Home, will be available to the public for the first time on October 4th at its new retail location Emporium Home Heights, along with a handful of other outstanding lines. The grand opening celebration will include mimosas for all from 10am to noon at 5801 Kavanaugh Boulevard, Little Rock. To get a fuller sense of Ashley and her work, visit emporiumhome.com.

Emporium Home, the highly sought after home furnishings line from Little Rock-

based artist and product designer Ashley Childers, will now be available in a retail

store. Formerly only available to the trade, the new store, which will be located

in the former Heights Gallery location, will offer Childers’ line as well as favorite

product lines she has discovered through her time spent at market meeting other

craftsmen and designers. Join Emporium Home Heights on Saturday, October 4th

from 10 a.m. to noon for celebratory mimosas with Ashley, and spend the day

browsing the completely renovated space that is filled with soon-to-be classic

pieces. 5801 Kavanaugh Boulevard, Little Rock, (501) 313-2418, emporiumhome.com

The post One-on-One with Ashley Childers appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Good Morning!

ark_admin — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 09:08:16 +0000

Photography by Rett Peek

Good morning! We’re cooking up a delicious color palette this morning, all inspired from this beautiful (and oh-so-tasty) tablescape from Euna Mae’s Heirloom Kitchen & Home Goods in Springdale. As seen in our all-new September “Kitchen & Bath” issue, this pretty breakfast table is made up of lots of goodies from Bonnie’s Jams small-batch preserves and Callie’s Charleston Biscuits to the American-made reproduction jadeite salt-and-pepper shakers, which we are swooning over. The colors run the gamut, but we’re picking out our favorites. And, there’s more vintage-inspired finds to keep you at the breakfast table a little longer in our September “Style” section. Click here to read the full story or find a copy of the new September issue on newsstands. Want even more? Scroll down to find our inspiration board below, which includes a mix of images and paint colors we gathered from around the web, all inspired by our sweet and savory breakfast at Euna Mae’s.

{paint colors: clean green, fall leaf, starry night blue}

{inspiration images, clockwise from top left: jadeite accents, vintage silver spreaders, cottage kitchen, blue & white seating area, orange peonies}

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Room of the Week: Serene and Fancy Master Bedroom

ark_admin — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 06:20:53 +0000

drapes | bed | bench | bedding | dresser

A neutral palette makes for a peaceful retreat for Little Rock designer and homeowner Amber Doggett. Over five years, she and her husband gathered inspiration for the design of their family’s new Benton home. “At this point in my life,” says Doggett, “I really felt like I needed a place that’s calming and tranquil.” She included dressy details in the master bedroom, from the scalloped lattice pattern on the draperies to the gold and ivory Lili Alessandra damask coverlet and the mirrored detail on the tufted headboard. We’ve gathered items to help you get the look. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the August issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Serene and Fancy Master Bedroom appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Artistic Inspiration

ark_admin — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 11:19:46 +0000

Recently, while looking for the perfect watercolor floral fabric for a client, I ran across a new fabric from Black Edition by The Romo Group. It was so interesting – this fabric that looked like it was pulled straight from a canvas – that I had do to a little research. I learned that this new line was titled “Desire” by British artist Jessica Zoob.

The line consists of digitally printed linens, velvets and wall coverings using images and patterns pulled directly from Zoob’s contemporary impressionist paintings. These buttery velvets and breathtaking wall coverings would add just the right amount of softness to an “industrial chic” interior – or they could give a traditional look a bit of edge. Either way, they are definitely amazing.

As you are aware, I cannot discuss something new and hot in the interior design world without showing the similar trends from our sister industry, the fashion design world! Here are some fabulous looks from Resort 2015 that immediately came to mind while I was looking at these beautiful fabrics and wall coverings:

Michael Kors, Resort 2015

Lenny Niemeyer, 2015 Collection

Fausto Puglisi, Resort 2015

Happy Shopping!

Meridith Hamilton is principal and founder of MLH Designs, a full-service interior design firm specializing in highly custom residential interiors and select corporate projects. Learn more about her and her firm at mlh-designs.com.

The post Artistic Inspiration appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Dining in Color

ark_admin — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 06:21:05 +0000

This bold dining room designed by Tobi Fairley surely does brighten our Monday! Fairley designed the space for a family of eight, as seen in the August “Family Homes” issue. The teal, chocolate, and yellow color palette is all tied together from the bold and unexpected yellow chandelier and drapes right down to to the floral patterned wallpaper (which is to die for!). We love the teal upholstery on the traditional dining chairs, which help anchor the room. Fairley didn’t overlook one thing in this space, and we love how it all came together. Click here to read the full story or find a copy of the August issue on newsstands. Want more? Scroll down to find our inspiration board below, which includes a mix of images and paint colors we gathered from around the web. Get ready to be inspired!

{paint colors: citrus – crystal sea – cruising}

{inspiration images: flowers – bathroom tile – foyer – invitation – living room – tablescape}

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Found it! Friday: Stationery +/or Paper Goods

ark_admin — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 08:19:03 +0000

We asked our team to shop for new stationery or paper goods. This is what they found:

Chip Jones, Editor in Chief WHAT HE FOUND: Mrs. John L. Strong

WHAT HE SAID ABOUT IT: “Always the best choice; a classic that never goes out of style.”

Kelly Fraiser, Pulisher/Owner WHAT SHE FOUND: Anna Griffin

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Just can’t get enough of these lush patterns and fun colors.”

Laura LaRue, Graphic Designer WHAT SHE FOUND: Sugar Paper, Los Angeles

[photo credit: @shindigpaperie via instagram]

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Love all things Sugar Paper! Just makes you want to send someone a happy in the mail.”

Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: In Haus Press, San Francisco

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “So streamlined…with a flicker of whimsy. Love, love, love!”

The post Found it! Friday: Stationery +/or Paper Goods appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Colorful Teen Girl’s Room

ark_admin — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 06:36:05 +0000

bedding | lamp | dresser | bedside table | carpet tile

We’re crazy about the bold patterns and color used in this teen girl’s newly redesigned bedroom. Little Rock designer Tobi Fairley appreciates the value of allowing children to have input in their spaces. She used a floral pattern by Rubie Green Textiles throughout this lucky teen’s pink-and-black bedroom. Fairley also chose FLOR tiles over wall-to-wall carpet. It adds a graphic element, while also allowing the homeowners the ease of replacing them one by one as needed. “Kids are hard on bedding, so this is not the place to splurge,” says Fairley, who sourced easy-to-find brands such as Pottery Barn Kids to outfit the bedrooms. Go shopping with us! Read the full story online here or find a copy of the August issue on newsstands now.

The post Room of the Week: Colorful Teen Girl’s Room appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Arkansas in the Making: Native Nectar

ark_admin — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 06:27:01 +0000

Arkansas in the Making is a series of interviews featuring local artisans, their workspaces and accoutrements. For this post, we spoke to Wilson Wood of Native Nectar Juice Co., a northwest Arkansas cold-pressed juice maker.

At Home in Arkansas: Define your personal style in six words. Wilson Wood: Relaxed. Easy. Natural. Light. Retro. Urban.

AHIA: What are your current obsessions? WW: Law of One, Ancient Knowledge, Aliens, Sacred Geometry

AHIA: What color could you not live without? WW: Green

AHIA: Tell us about why you make juice. WW: I make juice because I am 100% a believer in the power of healing yourself with the food you put in your body. After watching the Gerson Miracle four years ago, it has changed my whole outlook on life and how to treat and cure illness. I am making it my mission to change people’s perception on eating good, quality, organic foods in Arkansas.

AHIA: What is your goal for your brand? WW: To give people the power of health on a day-to-day basis.

AHIA: What is your go-to for a quick burst of inspiration? WW: Running, yoga, or meditation.

AHIA: Which of your tools is most important for your work? WW: Norwalk Juicers! They are the best juicers on the planet and they are made right here in Arkansas.

AHIA: What makes your workspace uniquely yours? WW: The organized chaos of it all.

AHIA: To an aspiring artisan, what would you say is the most important part of doing creative work? WW: Stillness, being passionate, and surrounding yourself with inspiring people.

AHIA: How does your lifestyle support your work? WW: I try my hardest to live and eat as organically and healthily as possible; I definitely have my vices, though.

AHIA: What do you want your customers to know about you and your work. WW: I put everything I have into this…not just monetary investment; day in and day out I put my heart and soul into putting the best product out to our customers.

AHIA: Within the field of your work, who is your greatest inspiration/influence/role model, etc? WW: Helen and Bill Hammond (my business partner) and David Wolfe of Sunfood Organics. I can always count on him for the best sourcing and trend inspiration.

Thank you, Wilson! Do you want to sample the goods for yourself? Now is your chance! Wilson is offering Native Nectar juice to one lucky giveaway winner. To enter: Go and “Like” the Native Nectar Juice Co. Facebook page, then make sure you’ve already “Liked” the At Home in Arkansas Facebook page, and then let us know you’ve done so by leaving a comment below about why you are excited to get your hands on some of this cold-pressed deliciousness. A winner will be selected at random on next Wednesday, August 20th at 4 pm. Best of luck! This giveaway is closed. Thanks to all who participated! The winner is Kaylin Gilkey! Kaylin you may contact us at agill@athomearkansas.com or call 501.666.5510 so that we can help you redeem your prize.

Find Native Nectar Juice Co.: WEBSITE/FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM

Native Nectar is also launching a kickstarter campaign on AUGUST 19th, so that they can expand their menu of all-organic, on-the-go meals geared toward raw, paleo, gluten-free, and vegan lifestyles. To support them, go to kickstarter.com and search for Native Nectar.

The post Arkansas in the Making: Native Nectar appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Lindsey Binz on 2015 Color Trends

ark_admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 06:10:54 +0000

As a designer, it’s one of my jobs to be looking ahead to the upcoming trends. Though I don’t focus too heavily on trends, I do feel every space should be a little fashion forward!

The 2015 Forecast has a lot of color to choose from.

Pantone’s complete home+interior 2015 palette

Most of these are a continuation of the colors that we have been seeing in design over the past few years! So no need to worry… That Radiant Orchid sofa you just ordered to go in your Emerald Green living room will be just fine… for a while! And always keep in mind…even if not “on Trend” It’s okay to be yourself in your home design and otherwise!!!

Here is a mix of a few of my favorite colors in the forecast.

Steel Gray, Bright White, Bellini and Meteorite

Cathy Green Interiors

In addition to some great colors, mosaic and geometric tiles

are going to become more of the norm in the upcoming months!

Lonny

franyoshioka

Also look to see floral prints and botanicals in the spotlight.

patternbank

As well as abstract cut- paper art!

patternbank

And like most trends, history plays a huge part in the inspiration. Thanks Henri Matisse

When designing your spaces, it’s easy to see all the new home fashions and think how good they look and how you want to redo your entire home with all the new looks. But there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. I think it’s okay to follow trend, if you mix it the right way…

and as always, mistakes happen in home design (and life)

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company,

a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s).

If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too!

Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

The post Lindsey Binz on 2015 Color Trends appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

One-on-One: Shayla Copas

ark_admin — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 06:55:15 +0000

At Home in Arkansas: What are your three must-have items for this Fall? Shayla Copas: Orange (cayenne) with Blue (royal navy) are going to be hot for fall, so my “must haves” are within this color story. The Worlds Away Anna Bar White Lacquer Bar cabinet with it’s bamboo detailing and gold gilted hardware is at the top of my list for sure. I would also say that the Lisa Kahn Blue Splatter lamp by Chelsea House is a must have as well! Little Rock native and artist Emily Cobb is painting fabulous treasures and any of her pieces is a good investment for your space. I also love the set of Golden Twig Sculptures by John Richard. They are fabulous for placing on a coffee table by books are on a bookshelf.

AHIA: What is your favorite paint color at the moment? SC: I have been leaning towards fresh whites as of late because there is nothing more classic than a white room with the layering of color in accessories, fabrics and art. I love Sherwin Williams Roman Column.

AHIA: Name a design trend or product you’ve been dying to try. SC: A design product I have been dying to try is the Maya Romanoff Beadazzled Sparkle Geode wallcovering in the color Sandstone. I just love the sparkle and texture. Maya Romanoff is one of my absolute favorite products.

AHIA: What is one design secret you can share with our readers? SC: My favorite Staple is a cream sofa! The cream sofa is “the little black dress” of the design industry! The no-commitment, versatile piece that can change as easily as swapping pillows. I always have a cream sofa in my home! Right now I have mint green and light yellow pillows on mine but you never know, in a year I could be sporting an entirely new color scheme! Also…Go with your GUT! If you automatically LOVE something, chances are that you will love the same piece five years from now. But always remember that not all elements in a design will give you this type of reaction as they stand alone. It is a combination of the elements that will give you that WOW factor! Trust your instincts but also give some room to your designer to use his or her creativity.

Learn more about Shayla and her work on her website: shaylacopas.com

And see a recent project of Shayla’s in our August issue: All Glammed Up

For more in our One-on-One series, check out our Q&As with Tracy Rivers of Angelfish Studios and with Chris Goddard of Goddard Design Group

The post One-on-One: Shayla Copas appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Peaceful Blue Patio

ark_admin — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 06:32:32 +0000

We hope you had a great weekend! With this wonderful, late-summer weather, we’re getting inspired by the outdoor space that designer Amber Doggett shares with her husband and her four children. You can tour the interior of the home in the August issue, but at this time of year, Doggett says the family spends most of their time in the home’s outdoor living spaces. In the covered patio, she adds various delicate shades of blue to the neutral palette to bring in a little extra color. Doesn’t it look like a perfect place to spend time with family and friends?Click here to read the full story and see the rest of Doggett’s home, or find a copy of the August issue on newsstands. Or scroll down to see how the color palette of this serene outdoor space inspired us. You’ll find our inspiration board below, which includes a mix of images and paint colors we gathered from around the web. What’s your #1 must-have item for your own outdoor living space?

{paint colors: paper white – slick blue – morocco sand – minor blue}

{inspiration images, clockwise from top left: kitchen – porch – master bedroom – desk – bottle opener}

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Found it! Friday: Favorite Brunch Restaurant

ark_admin — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 09:11:56 +0000

We asked our team for their favorite place to eat brunch. Here’s what they found:

Chip Jones, Editor in Chief WHAT HE FOUND: Cafe Bossa Nova

WHAT HE SAID ABOUT IT: “Hands down Cafe Bossa Nova is my choice for brunch! And it doesn’t hurt a thing that Rosalia’s bakery is in-house, for those of us with a sweet tooth.”

Tiffany Burgess, Managing Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: Husk Restaurant

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Almost every year I head to Charleston with a group of close friends for the Cooper River Bridge Run. Just thinking about a celebratory brunch at Husk is enough to pull us through the 10K! The menu, which is all locally sourced, changes daily and I have been fortunate enough to be there when they’ve offered their highly coveted cheeseburger!”

Emilie Head, Account Executive WHAT SHE FOUND: Red Door

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Red Door’s Saturday brunch is hard to beat! Everything from the omelets to the pancakes are just delicious!”

Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: The Root Cafe

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “The Root Cafe is my favorite! The food is scrumptious; the porch/patio atmosphere is laid back; and every time I go, I seem to run into an old friend or make a new one.”

The post Found it! Friday: Favorite Brunch Restaurant appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Neutral Ground

ark_admin — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 09:05:59 +0000

mercury glass jars | boxwood | chandelier | faucet | counter stool

It’s almost the weekend and if you’re planning to do any remodeling or decorating, this French-Country inspired kitchen might just be the inspiration you need! To homeowner and interior designer Amber Doggett, tranquility at home is a top priority. She uses a low-contrast color palette of light neutrals, which creates a serene atmosphere throughout her home. In the kitchen, the island is finished in an aqua tone, posing a restrained—yet playful—contrast to the rest of the cabinetry. They also used accessories minimally with a point to not fill up the house with a lot of stuff. Get the look with our product roundup or contact Doggett through her store, Vivid Designs in the Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center in West Little Rock. Find the full story online here or grab a copy of the new August issue on newsstands now.

The post Room of the Week: Neutral Ground appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

‘A Pop of Color’ with Providence Design

ark_admin — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 13:01:49 +0000

The phrase “pop of color” is one of the most-used phrases in the design world. However, it is still such a fun and easy way to liven up a room. A neutral palette is the perfect way to begin your space. This way you can add a pop of color with art, pillows, accessories, maybe even a rug, and you are not tied to colorful furniture when you decide to go a for a different look. A neutral base is always a classic and timeless look, but what a wow factor a pop of color can bring! Look at how a colorful piece of art can be a great addition to a neutral room, and just by changing the art and a few accessories you can have a completely new look.

Recently we redid a client’s living room based off of one piece of art. We started with neutral sofas and chairs and creamy white walls. Then we pulled pops of color out of the art, and it made for a fabulous new look.

Above you can see the wonderful original art by local artist Heike Talbert, which was the color inspiration for the rest of the room.

Maybe you already have art? Maybe you don’t want to have to buy new art every time you want to change your color? Adding colorful pillows to a neutral room is another great way to achieve an awesome look without a lot of expense. Above and below are some examples of colorful pillows on neutral furniture. Our client wanted a fun update to her living room. She purchased new living room furniture in neutral tones, then we added a touch of pink with pillows and a few accessories and it became such a fun space.

Here’s a tip, if you tire quickly of one color, why not get two different color pillows? By doing so you can put out the–let’s say—pink, for spring and summer, then when fall arrives you can bring out your orange, or whatever color it may be. You always have a new look!

What do you think about color with your neutrals? What will be your pop of color?

The post ‘A Pop of Color’ with Providence Design appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: August Update

ark_admin — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 08:51:22 +0000

Hello and happy August! I hope you all are making the best of the last few weeks before school starts and enjoying the relatively mild summer weather. Even though we have had a few warm days to be sure, the temperature has yet to get even close to 100 degrees here at the Live Outside the Box House…not bad for August in Arkansas! Hopefully you have already seen this month’s At Home issue and the results of our Curb Appeal Makeover Contest, but if you haven’t, check it out here. It is so exciting to see the final transformation in the magazine, and it was such a pleasure working with the Gentry family. I hope they are enjoying the changes we made as much as we enjoyed helping with the makeover!

Around here, it has been a typically busy month with lots of activity, including a 50th birthday celebration for my good friend Mark Hatwig. The birthday boy (seen on the right in the picture below) is a wine and spirits expert, so we teamed up with Weddington Liquor of Fayetteville to make sure there were plenty of special libations which were paired with a delicious menu prepared by The Main Event of Bentonville. Everything was served in the garden which had been transformed into a magical setting by Buzz Event Planning and Design of Fayetteville.

In between fun parties, we have been working to keep things looking good around the garden, giving extra fertilizer to seasonal and container plantings, trimming back plants that were looking a little haggard or had finished their bloom cycle and making sure everything is adequately watered. We also emptied out the raised boxes in the veggie garden. Except for the tomatoes which continue to produce nicely, everything had pretty much passed its prime, and in the next few weeks it will be time to plant a whole new crop for the fall season.

In the perennial garden, the butterflies have really been making a show. The Hyssop and Butterfly Bushes (Buddleia) have been blooming like crazy, and they have not gone unnoticed by the dainty little creatures. I love the feeling they add to the garden and enjoy seeing them ‘dance’ about as I stroll through.

At the front door, a pair of planter boxes I potted up back in the spring are still going strong. This combo has done beautifully all season, so you might consider it if you are looking for a durable, high-performance container planting. I originally planted ‘Green Velvet’ Boxwoods, Echeveria, Variegated Ivy, Bacopa, Dusty Miller and Dianthus. The Dusty Miller and Dianthus were beautiful and added extra lushness during the spring and early summer. Eventually, though, they became a bit overgrown, so I simply cut them out. The other varieties still look great, despite the late-summer heat, and the silvery, succulent Echeveria are just about to bloom!

We have been living Outside the Box in other locations, as well, with many exciting projects in progress around the state and beyond! To help cool things down this time of year, I like to design a water element into a new garden whenever possible. Stay tuned next month for a look at some of the cool pools and refreshing water features we have been working on recently!

Did you miss Daniel Keeley’s June Update or July Update? Click through to enjoy!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: August Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Las Vegas Market Recap by Whiteline Designs

ark_admin — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 08:49:58 +0000

Our designer friends at Whiteline Designs in northwest Arkansas rececently attended Las Vegas Market, where leading vendors for home furnishings and accessories had their new lines on display for industry professionals and trend forecasters. They generously offered to give us an insider’s view of what they saw and loved as they shopped, by posting their pics to instagram and tagging us in each post. Here’s a recap of what they saw, along with their insta-commentary PLUS the last few images are ones they saved just for you and haven’t yet shared anywhere else. Enjoy!

Our bags are packed and we are headed to Las Vegas Market! We will be serving as a market correspondent for @athomearkansas so follow along as we attend seminars, new product launch parties, book signings, and search through showrooms to bring the best back to NWA!

We’ve arrived! Already finding some beautiful pieces… #lvmkt @athomearkansas

All white! Las Vegas market @athomearkansas#lvmkt

Gregory Waylande colorful ceramic coasters@codarus #lvmkt with @athomearkansas

Which lumbar do you love? #thisorthat #lvmkt@whitelinedesigns |@athomearkansas

We love the durability of a @saddlemans metallic cowhide rug…and the new matte gold is the perfect splash of champagne. #luxeneutrals #lvmkt @whitelinedesigns | @athomearkansas

Don’t let our #luxeneutrals fool you. We think neutral bones allow you to bring a pop of color in accessories so your look can change with your taste and trends. These geometric pillows offer a great infusion of color. #lvmkt @whitelinedesigns| @athomearkansas

#regram from a potential new vendor…what do you want to take home in this picture? #lvmkt@whitelinedesigns | @athomearkansas

#katespade #interiordesign #lvmkt@whitelinedesigns | @athomearkansas

Love. #interiordesign #lvmkt @whitelinedesigns |@athomearkansas

@sherwinwilliams 2015 color mix forecast seminar…visually stunning! #interiordesign #lvmkt @whitelinedesigns |

With designer Nikki Chu at her new accessory line launch today! We love her edgy vibe with modern textures and mixed mettalics! #interiordesign #lvmkt @whitelinedesigns |@athomearkansas

Our office this morning is 16 floors up meeting with an open panel of the industries top strategists to talk about where the market is headed! #lookingahead #trailblazers #interiordesign #lvmkt @whitelinedesigns |@athomearkansas

Lovely lighting #lvmkt @whitelinedesigns |@athomearkansas

Remember our first post of this gorgeous chandelier? It instantly caught our eye and we loved it even more when we found out@emporiumhome is based in #Arkansas and the secret is out!! Designer Ashley Childers was named one of #lvmkt “ahead of the curve” collections by industry elite tastemakers. We happily support this local Arkansas artisan and extend our congratulations! Currently her product line is sold “to the trade only” please contact us if you are interested in her collection and we’d be happy to consult you on the perfect piece for your home! @whitelinedesigns |@athomearkansas

New wallpaper find! Love it or leave it? #lvmkt@whitelinedesigns | @athomearkansas

Last day here! @loloirugs we finally made it to your showroom and the amazing@michelleblalock helped us pinpoint excellent options for any clients budget! We love the muted tone on tone palates with a luxe sheen for added depth. #lvmkt @whitelinedesigns |@athomearkansas

Color pairing: Light white and creams are taking edging out the black/gold team but warm metallics are still a strong presence moving into next season…golds, bronze and copper tones add warmth to any space. We love this hand painted gold feather piece @naturalcuriosities#warmmettalics #mixedmedia #lvmkt@whitelinedesigns | @athomearkansas

Deep ocean blues were a prominent color of #lvmkt we are a little blue it’s almost over!@whitelinedesigns | @athomearkansas

At Home blog EXCLUSIVES:

Thanks, ladies, for the amazing tour of #LVMKT! If you love what you see here, follow Whiteline Designs on instagram for more design eye candy: @whitelinedesigns . And if you don’t already, be sure to follow us too: @athomearkansas !

The post Las Vegas Market Recap by Whiteline Designs appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: A Colorful Family Home, Master Bedroom

ark_admin — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 10:23:32 +0000

lamp | fabric | lucite ceiling fan | chest of drawers | bed

It’s Room of the Week time! Little Rock homeowners called upon friend and designer Tobi Fairley to renovate their small cottage to an accommodating home full of bright ideas. Fairley worked with Carolyn Lindsey of Yeary Lindsey Architects to open the kitchen and add a new master suite (seen above), office, powder room, and utility space. This master bedroom definitely stands out with its graphic curtains, stylish furnishings, and the Lucite ceiling fan, which is a favorite of designer Tobi Fairley’s (and our’s too!). This busy family of eight each needed a place to relax at the end of the day and this new master suite is just what they envisioned. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the new August issue on newsstands now.

The post Room of the Week: A Colorful Family Home, Master Bedroom appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: First Impressions

ark_admin — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 14:50:09 +0000

Someone once famously said “You’ll never have a second chance to make a first impression.” While this is true in relationships, it’s also true in your home. Your entryway, foyer, hallway, whatever it may be — the first thing someone sees when he or she walks in your door should set the tone for the rest of your home. A daunting task but also very fun! You can use the space to show off your favorite antiques, to use a bold color, to gather your family’s essentials mudroom-style. No matter how you use that space, it will leave an impression. With foyers on my mind, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite “first impressions.” Enjoy!

House Beautiful

Mark D. Sikes in House Beautiful

Shelly Johnstone Paschke

Vogue Living

Rita Konig in Domino

Peter Dunham

Kay O’Toole in Veranda

Carolina Irving in Vogue Living

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: First Impressions appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Strength in Numbers

ark_admin — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 09:54:47 +0000

Thick, textured, lush, healthy, shining. Adjectives from a shampoo commercial? You bet, but they also should be your watchwords for summer plantings. You can achieve the sort of blooming beds—the kind that people will remember—with just a little bit of planning and maintenance, and a few simple design ideas: Plant more; think color, then texture; find vitality in simple design (I like to call this the “shove it and cram it” style); feed and water consistently.

Even if you have only a small area to plant, you should put out more than a few paltry little specimens. By planting more—think of it as more plants sharing tight quarters—you create a unified design. While it’s fun to try mixing different type plants and assorted colors, you achieve a more pleasing look some times by using just one or two varieties of annuals.

You’ve heard me exclaim before about the great impact of the dainty-appearing angelonia, but here it is in full glory. The color range is in the cool spectrum, so you’ll find them in white, pink, and a couple of shades of violet. Crowded in this way, you get the effect of waves of color. And, despite their diminutive stature, they’re the workhorses of summer annuals. Also known as ‘summer snapdragon,’ their bloom is unstinting for months in the summer heat.

Another extraordinarily hardy bloomer is scavolea. This plant tends to creep, run, and ramble, so it can easily be placed as a foundation planting under something taller. Great for borders, where the color can ‘pop,’ or in pots assembled with other bloomers, you get 120 days of bloom every time. And scavolea comes in a thrilling blue. When you see it blooming, you’ll want more, which means creating that unified design I’m showing you here.

Another benefit of the ‘more plants, closer together’ or ‘shove it and cram it’ philosophy is that you can pair them with something taller, to create a texture contrast. These begonias are matched with fan palms. The vibrant red blooms are countered by the nodding fronds overhead, an unexpected pairing, but one of two rugged plants that thrive under the steady sun. And a benefit of the palms towering over the begonias is that those fronds shade the begonias, meaning cooler roots, and less fading of bloom color. Another benefit of close planting is that the volume of blossoms overhead, plus the increased amount of plant leaves and stalks, is that all the roots get shaded from above.

Another good design idea to remember is to FORGET about the color wheel. It doesn’t have to match the brick of your house–it’s all about personal preference. If you want to create a planting pair, try something like the angelonia placed cheek-by-jowl with the brilliant yellow lantana here. Also a great texture and shape contrast, such a planting maximizes your space, and is pleasing from a distance, a good idea if you want your beds and borders to be seen from the street.

You’ll want to build in maintenance for your plantings. Annuals are heavy feeders. Feed with time release fertilizer, like Osmocote or Miracle Gro’s ‘Shake and Feed,’ as well as an occasional dousing with water soluble fertilizer. Yes, it makes a difference. It takes a lot of strength, stamina, and fortitude for these plants to bloom under relentless summer conditions, and they need your help. Which also means water deeply on a consistent basis. Shampoo commercials promise happy, tossing, rolling, shiny waves of hair, and with just a bit of suggested care. You’ll be able to get the same kind of feeling from your summer annuals with a little bit of planning and maintenance, and you won’t have to think about spokesmodels at all.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Strength in Numbers appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

From Our Pages: Faux Finish Fabulous

ark_admin — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 10:10:03 +0000

In our August issue, we featured the home of interior designer Amber Doggett. Her rustic, French Country style incorporates lots of furnishings and accent pieces that have a gracefully weathered and aged look about them. When it came to the walls, cabinetry, and other surfaces in her newly constructed home, she wanted to create the same historical atmosphere. So, she called on Tracy Rivers of Angelfish Studio to help her achieve a deep patina throughout the house.

Rivers did an especially masterful job of this in the kitchen, and we wanted to give you an up-close look at the cabinetry details.

See? Old is the new New!

To tour the rest of the home, click here.

And to learn more about Tracy Rivers, of Angelfish Studio, and her stunning decorative paint and faux finishing work, click here.

The post From Our Pages: Faux Finish Fabulous appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Inspired by Our House

ark_admin — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 10:21:00 +0000

Photography by Rett Peek

Happy Monday! Our color inspiration today comes from Little Rock’s Our House, Inc.’s new Children’s Center, which is ready for action thanks to a partnership with the local chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. Color infuses the space from lime green bean bag chairs and floor details to an accent wall of squares done in shades of blue. The pops of orange add to the cheerful design and we know this will be a wonderful new space to inspire lots of kids in the future. Want to see how this space inspired us? Just scroll down to see our inspiration board, which includes a mix images and paint colors we gathered from around the web, all inspired by Our House’s colorful new Children’s Center. Click here to read the full story or find a copy of the new August issue on newsstands.

{inspiration images and paint colors, clockwise from top left}

Tropical Oasis (blue) | Living Room | Center Stage (lime) | Kitchen Table & Chairs | Backsplash

Kid’s Stuff (orange) | Enchanted Green (blue/green) | Kitchen Cabinets | Staircase

The post Color Coordinated: Inspired by Our House appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Found it! Friday: Lamps

ark_admin — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 09:48:29 +0000

We told our team to go lamp shopping. Here’s what they found:

Tiffany Adams, Managing Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: Oscar Lamp

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I think a pair of these Oscar lamps from Currey & Co. would be so dreamy on my bedside tables.”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Currey & Co.

Chip Jones, Editor in Chief WHAT HE FOUND: Christopher Spitzmiller’s lamps (all of them) in Prussian Blue

WHAT HE SAID ABOUT IT: “I love ALL lamps by Christopher Spitzmiller, but especially the ones Prussian Blue in color. These lamps are becoming modern day collector items and I can’t imagine them ever going out style.”

WHERE HE FOUND IT: Christopher Spitzmiller

Mandy Keener, Art Director WHAT SHE FOUND: Caprice Lamp

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “This one!”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: Callas Table Lamp

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I love a very moody table lamp. This one is so damaged-looking, yet delicate.”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Mr. Brown

The post Found it! Friday: Lamps appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: A Colorful Family Home

ark_admin — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 09:55:18 +0000

#1 Designers Guild pattern: Brush, in color: Charcoal

Our August Family Homes issue has hit your mailbox and newsstands, so we’re kicking it off with a colorful and oh-so-stylish Little Rock home. Designer Tobi Fairley used her signature bold palettes and tailored style to update a cramped cottage for a family of eight. In the kitchen, which is open to the family room, the walls and cabinets are all painted Tidewater by Sherwin-Williams. “We used color to wrap the room, so it acts more like a neutral,” Fairley explains. “It would have looked busier with white cabinets because the contrast would cause the eye to stop.” A large, marble-topped kitchen island now sits at what used to be the back wall of the house. Dual refrigerators are disguised behind cabinet panels flanking the range. To see more of this family home, read the full story online here or find a copy of the new August issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: A Colorful Family Home appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Bathroom Vanity

ark_admin — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:33:17 +0000

If you’re up for a hump day bathroom vanity overhaul, then you have definitely come to the right place, my friend. I’ve been hard at work in our upstairs hall bath doing my best to kick the 1960s right out of this room. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of this DIY, let’s rewind and revisit the before pictures of our bathroom.

Fair warning: I did all I could to not end up in an awkward photographer-in-the-mirror situation, but no such luck with this bathroom setup.

The dark paneling, grimy yellow cabinets, mint green sinks. I was in rehabbing paradise and could not wait to get started on this project. A light and bright bathroom with rustic wood accents was so close I could already smell the paint fumes.

First things first, the arched trim on those cabinet doors needed a facelift. So by removing the doors and replacing the old trim with a more streamlined shaker style trim, things were already looking up. Click here for more details on how I updated the cabinet doors.

Once the doors were trimmed, caulked and painted, they were ready to be rehung on a freshly painted vanity base.

On the the countertop. The master bath of my first house had a floating wood vanity that I just loved. It was easy to build and I loved the end result and durability. I knew a chunky wood countertop would look amazing for this project as well. Click here for the full how-to on building your own wood countertop.

Once the countertop was sealed and dry, we were ready to install two new ceramic vessel sinks.

Let’s hop back over to those dreadful before pictures to see just how far this bathroom has come.

Just a little smidge of a difference, right?

The post Bathroom Vanity appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Before & After with Cara Hazlewood

ark_admin — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 14:03:24 +0000

Fair warning: I did all I could to not end up in an awkward photographer-in-the-mirror situation, but no such luck with this bathroom setup.

Once the doors were trimmed, caulked and painted, they were ready to be rehung on a freshly painted vanity base.

Once the countertop was sealed and dry, we were ready to install two new ceramic vessel sinks.

Let’s hop back over to those dreadful before pictures to see just how far this bathroom has come.

Just a little smidge of a difference, right?

The post Before & After with Cara Hazlewood appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Different Strokes

ark_admin — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 09:46:14 +0000

In this month’s issue, we brought you a roundup of home decor inspired by painting techniques [click here to read the article online]. When shopping the trend, we found that a number of top textile lines have created fabrics that capture this brushstroke effect; seems that this is a trend with some staying power. Here are our top five brushstroke fabrics:

#2 Lisa Simmons Studio pattern: Brushstroke

#3 Brunschwig & Fils pattern: Les Touches, in color: Aqua

#4 Lee Jofa pattern: Watersedge, in color Brown

#5 LULU DK for F. Schumacher pattern: Cha-Cha, in color Coral

The post Different Strokes appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: In With the Old and New

ark_admin — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 09:10:05 +0000

Pink, blue, and a touch of gold come together to bring us today’s color palette. Fresh azaleas, clipped from Anna Dickinson’s yard, add a burst of color in her newly renovated cottage. Dickinson, owner of White Goat in Little Rock’s Heights neighborhood, called upon Chris Milligan of Dwellings, Inc. to rework the structure and floor plan of her home. The line between old and new is blurred and the space is filled with vintage treasures, all working together to bring this space lots of character and unique style. Click here to read the full “Before & After” story or find a copy of the July issue on newsstands.

{paint colors: zany pink; arabella; eastlake gold}

The post Color Coordinated: In With the Old and New appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Found it! Fridays: Beach/Pool/Lake/Weekend Bag

ark_admin — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 10:24:17 +0000

We asked our team members to go shopping for a new beach/pool/lake/weekend bag. Here’s what they found:

Tiffany Burgess Adams, Managing Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: Lilly Pulitzer, Shoreline Tote

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Call me a beach purist, but you can’t beat a Lilly bag! I have used one of these for years, and I love that it has a waxed interior to keep all your essentials dry.”

Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: Monserat de Luca, Belen Knotted Tote

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “My prerequisites for a summer bag? It can’t be see-through; it has to be able to dry out; and it has to transition seamlessly to non-wet scenarios, because I’m the WORLD’S WORST about switching bags day-to-day, day-to-night, or even event-to-event.”

Chip Jones, Editor in Chief WHAT HE FOUND: Andover Trask, The Charleston Bag

WHAT HE SAID ABOUT IT: “I love this bag and it would come in handy transporting supplies to and from photo shoots as I travel across the state. I love the open pockets on the front especially, to tuck in smaller items – to keep them easily accessible and not at the bottom of a huge bag.”

Emilie Head, Account Executive WHAT SHE FOUND: Bags at Tulips

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT THEM: “These beach bags from Tulips are too cute! I love all of the fun colors and patterns!”

The post Found it! Fridays: Beach/Pool/Lake/Weekend Bag appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Arkansas in the Making: Kent Walker Artisan Cheese

ark_admin — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 12:16:00 +0000

Arkansas in the Making is a series of interviews featuring local artisans, their workspaces and accoutrements. Kent Walker is cheesemaker extraordinaire and owner of Kent Walker Artisan Cheese.

At Home in Arkansas: Define your personal style in 6 words. Kent Walker: Laid back, hard working, hippie affineur.

AHIA: What are your current obsessions? KW: [The television show] Breaking Bad, cheese aging techniques, and building our new tasting room.

AHIA: What color could you not live without? KW: Green, being in nature cheers me up.

AHIA: Tell us about why you make what you make…a history, timeline or some sort of list. KW: I make cheese because it makes people happy. Also for the pride of making the best, high-quality cheese I possibly can.

AHIA: What is your greatest achievement or goal for your brand? KW: Our greatest achievement so far is simply making it to the level we have.

AHIA: What is your go-to for a quick burst of inspiration? KW: Working the farmers markets is very encouraging. Meeting all of the people who are excited about the cheese is great!

AHIA: Which of your tools is most important for your work? Describe it, how long you’ve had it, etc. KW: Our three most important tools are our cheese vat, press, and aging cave. I’ve had the vat for about nine months; it is a 12’x4′ vat (larger than a hot tub). I custom built my press about two years ago, and I am now in the process of building a second one. Our cave is a big, walk-in cooler. We will have an underground cellar at our new location.

AHIA: What makes your workspace, studio, etc. uniquely yours? KW: As the sole owner, I get to make the decisions defining our processes. I love embracing the old world style of cheesemaking, and this shows up in the types of tools we use.

AHIA: To an aspiring artisan, what would you say is the most important part of doing creative work?KW: Just starting! And continuing, again and again. Your first products won’t be perfect—they might not even be good. Just keep doing it and you will learn a ton.

AHIA: How does your lifestyle support your work? KW: My lifestyle is defined by my work. I sometimes need to be at the shop at 2am to receive milk. When cheese is on the press, it has to be flipped ever few hours, so I have to head back in for 15 minutes a few times in the evening.

AHIA: What do you want your customers to know about you/your work? KW: We are working so very hard to create a product that can bring joy to people. Everything we do is to improve the food scene in the US and to make something that creates happiness in the world.

AHIA: Within the field of your work, who is your greatest inspiration/influence/role model, etc? KW: New Belgium & Sierra Nevada because they have grown to a large size without sacrificing their morals or their quality. Sean Minor & Montinore Wineries because they have great family businesses and amazing products!

Thank you, Kent! Do you love great cheese? Are you a curious foodie, who wants to know more about the cheesemaking process? Kent is giving away some cheese and a tour of his facility to a lucky winner! To enter: go and “Like” the Kent Walker Facebook page, then “Like” the At Home in Arkansas Facebook page and let us know you’ve done so by leaving a comment below! A winner will be selected at random on next Wednesday, July 23, at 4pm. Best of luck! WE HAVE A WINNER: ANITA AKIN EVANS Congrats, Antia, and thank you to all who entered.

Find Kent Walker Artisan Cheese: WEBSITE/FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM

The post Arkansas in the Making: Kent Walker Artisan Cheese appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Nautical Escape, Dining Area

ark_admin — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 10:28:21 +0000

See more from the July issue.

chair | light fixture | placemat | red pillow | blue ikat pillow

This Greers Ferry Lake home is full of nautical inspiration throughout and makes for an easy getaway for a young Conway family. They called upon designer Tami Risinger to help design a place they could unwind together as a family. “Designing a second home is fun,” Risinger says. “This one has more of a theme and a more colorful palette than I usually work with.” Nestled in the Eden Isle community, the home reflects its surroundings with a palette of gray, cream, and navy with pops of red and nautical accents. A custom, upholstered banquette anchors the dining area around a stainless steel-topped table, which reflect the theme and are perfectly kid-friendly. Go shopping with us and read the full story online here or find a copy of the July issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Nautical Escape, Dining Area appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Meet Our New Guest Blogger: Kelli Wilson

ark_admin — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:04:48 +0000

My name is Kelli Wilson, of Kelli Wilson Consulting. I am the resident designer at Designer Effects. We are a to-the-trade fabric showroom located in Little Rock. I have been in the textile industry for over 30 years. I have a degree in art, with a specific emphasis on textiles and design. I actually started my career as a couture buyer in the fashion industry. The luxury and broad spectrum of the fashion world soon lead me to the world of interior design.

I remember my first couture fabric loves were Escada and Hermes; the silk prints were exquisitely intricate. The menswear textiles of Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein always caught my eye because of the detailing. Kate Spade’s whimsy and splashes of color along with the fabulosity of Betsey Johnson’s wild prints are some of my most fabulous treasures to always gaze upon in my closet. In the textile world, I love Fortuni and Scalmandre for the indescribable quality of their beauty and elegance in their silk.

They are simply not-to-be-matched, in my opinion. And, of course there is Schumacher! I have always said that I wish I would have been a fabric designer for Schumacher…

Oh to be young again….And Stroheim & Romann offer the best linen strie velvet out there.

The list is forever long. We will explore as the months go on. I think each particular line has its own special “perfect” fabric that we just can’t design without. (You get the picture. I tend to be dramatic.)

I’ll also be giving you tips on how to mix and match patterns and colors. And how style works with textile; these days, no set style is right? Gone are the days of cookie cutter interiors designed by a formula. Just as fashion has become intercultural, so has interior design. We shouldn’t simply be eclectic, we should strive for intelligent and artful interiors. Let’s mix periods and styles a.e. Georgian Lamps with a pair of Lucite stools….Why not???? Let’s layer our spaces and always strive for more alluring and interesting design environments. We all want to come home to something new and refreshing in the way of design!

So that’s my plan: to help educate you on the many different types of fabrics available, as well as the best and most practical application of that particular fabric. We will explore the many different resources available to you and the aspects of each category of each type of textile. I will explain fabrication processes and ideas and give you behind-the-scenes peeks at projects that I am currently involved in.

I am excited to start this adventure with all of you and to share the beauty of the world of textiles! It is an always changing industry. So tune in each month for what’s new and the latest in the world of design in FABRIC!

The post Meet Our New Guest Blogger: Kelli Wilson appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

How to Find the Right White, with Lindsey Binz

ark_admin — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 09:08:35 +0000

Choosing the right white can be challenging to say the least.

It seems like it would be pretty easy to just flip through the paint deck and pick one, Right???

It can be, but that’s only after years of experience and making lots of mistakes with the not so right whites.

Many whites have colored undertones that can clash with other colors,

so you need to be thoughtful when making your decision(s)

Whites look great in both high and low contrast settings.

Here are my go~to whites by Sherwin Williams!

I am loving whites for walls right now.

It’s a great back drop for a space and works for any and all design styles.

Antique white is a soft color that has a classic warmth.

Home Bunch

Dover White is a great crisp- neutral white that works perfect for trim, cabinets and ceilings.

Barbour Spangle Design

Houzz

Another great white is Creamy.

I love it on these kitchen cabinets with the contrast of the dark wood floors.

Nice!

Couto Homes

Choose Wisely

and when in doubt

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company, a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s). If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too! Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

The post How to Find the Right White, with Lindsey Binz appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

From Our Pages: Sail Away With Me

ark_admin — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 09:28:25 +0000

In our July issue, we featured an Eden Isle lakehouse that provided a perfect retreat with maritime-inspired decor (click here to read the article). Designer Tami Risinger carried the nautical motif of the home right through to each and every detail! Have a look at some of these web exclusive images that show exactly how completely her design embraced the spirit of the high seas.

From window treatments and hardware…

To decorative paint on the walls and ceilings and rope supports for the “ship bunks”…

To adorable throw pillows with rope and grommet accents!

The entire space just goes to show how big of an impact a fully-finished room can make, when you’re designing with a theme!

The post From Our Pages: Sail Away With Me appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Brush Up

ark_admin — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:01:39 +0000

This month, we scouted local shops around the state to find the latest products inspired by an array of painting techniques. This painting by artist Mallory Page along with other beautiful products, seen at Bear-Hill Interiors in Little Rock, inspired it all. Its cool color palette from pinks to magentas with also a hit of pale orange is beautifully mixed. This piece would definitely steal the show in any space. And, there are more inspiring products to boot! Click here to see this and other colorful painting-inspired finds in our Style feature or find a copy of the July issue on newsstands.

{paint colors: pink ladies; plum blossom; avid apricot; bermuda breeze}

The post Color Coordinated: Brush Up appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Found it! Fridays: Favorite Summer Flower or Plant

ark_admin — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 09:52:31 +0000

We asked our team for their favorite summer flower or plant. Here’s what they found:

Tiffany Burgess, Managing Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: Hydrangeas!

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I absolutely adore hydrangeas. In fact, when I made my 2014 goal list ‘Plant a Hydrangea Garden’ was at the top. Unfortunately they have not done so great this year, but I’m not giving up.”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/hydrangea-macrophylla

Mandy Keener, Art Director WHAT SHE FOUND: Peonies!

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “The smell and the fluffy petals make me smile!”

Emilie Head, Account Executive WHAT SHE FOUND: Sunflowers

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I absolutely love sunflowers! I love to pick up a fresh bunch at the farmers’ market on the weekends. They are so happy and just scream Summer!”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: http://theglitterguide.com/2011/06/28/entertaining-summer-outdoor-backyard-party/

Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: Butterfly Weed

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Butterfly weed is my favorite, because it’s somehow scraggly looking, yet intricate and delicate. And I’m over the moon for a punchy orange. So pretty.”

The post Found it! Fridays: Favorite Summer Flower or Plant appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Make a Splash

ark_admin — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 08:56:35 +0000

garden stool | chaise lounge | umbrella | pillow

We’re taking you outside for this week’s “Room of the Week” feature. This poolside oasis was built around steep terrain, but that didn’t stop these Little Rock homeowners. They called upon expert designer Larry West, who had designed the interior of their home, and also Scott Girner of Elite Pools by Scott. The pool itself features state-of-the-art technology. Made from gunite (a mixture of cement, sand, and water), the salt-water swimming pool features Elite Pools’ proprietary Smart Pool™ system. Following the lead of the pool and its natural, neutral-based stone surround, West added the finishing touches to the terrace. “Because the area is so woodsy, we wanted to create an outdoor space that fit with nature,” West says. Light tan cushions are mixed with warm-hued throw pillows on the outdoor furniture. The far end of the pool features a ledge, which allows for a swim-up bar on one side and barstool seating on the other. Poolside cocktails anyone? Read the full story online here or find a copy of the July issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Make a Splash appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

From Providence Design: Layering for Impact

ark_admin — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 09:04:53 +0000

Country French, Fall/Winter 2011

We love the idea of layering special objects together for even more impact. May it be a pair of old shutters with an antique mirror, or hanging art on bookshelves, the options are endless. Layering objects together really brings focus to the space, and the particular object. It is also a great way to add depth to an otherwise flat object. These images really get us thinking.

Design by Michelle Nussbaumer (from the book Domestic Art: Curated Interiors by Holly Moore)

Look at how much more interesting the art layered on top of the fabric is.

Design by Providence Design

In a powder bath we added interest, and dimension by layering the rock wall with an iron piece and mounting a mirror onto the iron. A starburst mirror on a wall of windows really turned up the volume in this living room, not to mention the fabulous architectural fragment attached to a wooden panel. Below an otherwise average mirror was taken over the top by adding a second mirror.

Design by Providence Design

House Beautiful magazine

House & Home magazine

A simple yet awesome idea is to hang your favorite art on your bookshelves. What a great way to get a fabulous and personal look.

Elle Decor magazine

So what do you think? Are you as excited about layering objects as we are?

The post From Providence Design: Layering for Impact appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Garden of Relics

ark_admin — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 09:16:00 +0000

In our July issue, Little Rock artist Rebecca Thompson shares her vintage architectural elements she has collected. With an outdoor space this beautiful, we thought it would be the perfect color inspiration for today. This vignette offers a soft, natural palette that can translate to any space. The lavender color is so subtle, yet makes such an impact and the gray antique bench is the perfect accent among the dark greenery. Throughout her garden you’ll find vintage statues, finials, tools, benches, chimney pots, planters, and keystones—anything with a back story or bit of history to bring architectural interest to her garden. “I love mystery and the story behind all of these pieces,” she says. Where do you find your color inspiration? Read the full story online or you can find a copy of the July issue on newsstands now.

{paint colors: honied white; magical; hot springs; bell pepper}

The post Color Coordinated: Garden of Relics appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Found It! Fridays: Our Favorite Backyard Barbecue Foods

ark_admin — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 10:33:01 +0000

We asked our team for their favorite backyard barbecue foods. Here’s what they found:

Emilie Head, Account Executive WHAT SHE FOUND: Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Authentic Suburban Gourmet

Tiffany Adams, Managing Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: Greek Turkey Burgers

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I absolutely love Greek food and I also love turkey burgers. So, I was pretty pumped about this recipe that combines both. These burgers are now one of my favorite grill staples. Plus, it’s a chance to use some of the fresh veggies from our garden.”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Budget Bytes

Chip Jones, Editor in Chief WHAT HE FOUND: Georgia Peach Barbecue Sauce

WHAT HE SAID ABOUT IT: “This Georgia Peach Barbecue sauce is my favorite sauce to use for grilling chicken or ribs, especially in the summertime. The Georgia peach preserves adds just the right amount of sweetness and it also reminds me of the sweet barbecue back home. Try it and tell us what you think!”

WHERE HE FOUND IT: Fine Cooking

Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor WHAT SHE FOUND: A N ew Take on Mexican Street Corn

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Divine, divine, divine! Plus, it’s a hostess’ dream come true because it’s vegan and gluten free.”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: A House in the Hills

Mandy Keener, Art Director WHAT SHE FOUND: S’mores

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Not only are s’mores tasty; they’re the only thing you can burn and they will still taste great. Perfect for my outdoor cooking skill level.”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: What’s Cooking America

Need more outdoor dining inspiration? Click here to check out the Cheesecake in a Jar and Watermelon Iced Green Tea recipes from our July entertaining story!

The post Found It! Fridays: Our Favorite Backyard Barbecue Foods appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: In With the Old and the New

ark_admin — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 08:39:57 +0000

As seen in our July issue, this once cramped attic is now a comfortable and charming family area. Chris Milligan of Dwellings, Inc. reworked the structure and floor plan of this 1930s cottage to include modern amenities and plenty of space for lounging. This Heights home that Anna Dickinson, owner of White Goat in Little Rock, shares with her husband and two children is loaded with charm. She enlisted White Goat designer Adam Smith to help her infuse the space with the shop’s signature style of French country minimalism. We love the mix of textures used in the space, from the painted wood walls, railings and slipcovered furniture to the exposed brick wall. Get the look in your own home with these items we’ve pulled together. For more inspiration, read the full story online here or find a copy of the new July issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: In With the Old and the New appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Twin Beds

ark_admin — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 12:36:42 +0000

One of the best things about moving home is having easy access to special family heirlooms, furniture included. One of those special items for our family is a twin bed set from my great-grandmother. These old French beds are beautifully hand painted. My sister and I grew up sleeping in those beds, and now I get the privilege of using them in my own home. To get some ideas for the guest room I’m using them in, I’ve scoured old magazines and blogs to find twin-spiration. Enjoy!

via BelClaire House

Architectural Digest

Cottage Living September 2008

Domino

Sister Parish

Alessandra Branca

Tobi Tobin in House Beautiful

Melissa Miles Rufty

The post Decorating with Cece Fourchy Quinn: Twin Beds appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Outside the Box with D. Keeley: July Update

ark_admin — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 09:26:24 +0000

Well, summer has definitely arrived! Last month I complained about all the rain, and I suppose I should have kept quiet, because it is plenty hot and dry now. Still, it has been a wonderful month full of rewarding projects and fun events.

One of the most exciting happenings was the realization of the At Home in Arkansas Curb Appeal Makeover. My crew and I spent a weekend with the contest winners, along with members of the At Home family, and we had a blast! Be sure to check out the full makeover feature in the August issue of At Home. Until then, here are a few sneak peek photos:

We used large boxwoods (my favorite shrub) to dress up the home’s entry.

Hydrangeas and azaleas helped fill in a forgotten shady corner.

Hostas and other textural plantings were used in various spots for their interesting foliage.

And here is Yours Truly, filling a pair of window boxes with colorful annuals!

Another thrilling experience of the past month occurred June, 20th…the evening of the Garden to Grill dinner party we hosted with Chef Jen Lewis. It was a beautiful gathering with delicious food, tasty drinks, good music and great people!

Around the Live Outside the Box House, the garden continues to fill in rapidly. The hostas I showed you last month burst into bloom finally and are only just now beginning to fade.

In the perennial garden, the purples are dominating right now, with the Hyssop and Chaste Tree taking center stage.

The view through the perennial garden looking toward the front lawn has improved for other reasons, as well. I decided to plant a trio of Emerald Green Arborvitae at the end of this vista to help screen out the neighbors house. Nothing against the neighbors, of course! Although it is a little difficult to see in this photo, I think the result is a good one, as the eye can now focus on all the colorful blooms of the perennial garden without being distracted by the house beyond.

The vegetable garden also continues to thrive and to provide me with fresh produce! The cabbages (despite a few worm holes on the outer leaves) are ready to harvest.

As are some of my tomatoes! I actually am dying to fry up some of the green ones before they all ripen, but these will be great on a grilled hamburger or chopped into some fresh salsa.

The dill from the Nourishmat is as tall as I am (6’2″ in case you were wondering)!

And one of the grape vines has already grown to the top of the fence and then some!

I can’t wait to have them all properly trained along the entire fence. At this rate, I am hoping they may really look like something by the end of the season. Either way it is so fun watching them grow….which you can practically do! So, join me next month. Who knows? Maybe they will have taken over the whole place!

Did you miss Daniel Keeley’s May Update or June Update? Click through to enjoy!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: July Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

One-on-One: Tracy Rivers

ark_admin — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 10:48:59 +0000

At Home in Arkansas: What are your 3 must have items for this year? Tracy Rivers: Concrete texture, Crazy bright over-sized art-think Julian Schnabel, and gold gilt!

AHIA: What is your favorite paint color at the moment? TR: SW6480 Lagoon is beautifu! Its a great color for accents, accessories and painting furniture

AHIA: What is the last thing you purchased for a client? TR: Bruno Mars Tickets. But, as it relates to business, a beautiful limoge display table that we covered in gold gilt

AHIA: Is there a design trend or product you are dying to try or purchase for a client? TR: I have this photo I keep in my back pocket of a powder bath thats just perfection

AHIA: What is one design secret you can share with our readers? TR: One of the easiest ways to add character to your house is to add hand applied texture to your walls and ceilings. It can soften and add an element without adding alot of busy movement. Neutrals go great on texture.

Learn more about Tracy and her work on the web at Angelfish Studios

And for more of her work that has been featured in the magazine, check out these articles: European Union and Sparkling Sanctuary. And definitely keep an eye out for her latest work in our August issue, available on newsstands July 29th!

(gallery image above from BrantFoundation.org; coffee table image from 1stdibs.com)

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Color Coordinated: In the Bag

ark_admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 09:03:05 +0000

We hope you all had a wonderful weekend celebrating the 4th of July! We still have many hot summer days ahead, so today we’re getting our color inspiration from these must-haves seen in the new July issue. These bright and happy colors can translate to any home interior as a wall color, accessory, or furniture piece in a space. We are picturing poolside chairs with green and white striped cushions and hot pink beach towels. Or maybe you have a fun kids’ space that is in need of a redesign. What do you think? This colorful palette will brighten any space right up, indoors or outdoors. Read the full story online or you can find a copy of the July issue on newsstands now.

{paint colors: blue mosque; traffic light green; eros pink; delano waters}

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Room of the Week: Nautical Escape

ark_admin — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 09:02:54 +0000

To get more inspiration from this patriotic picnic story, read the article online by following this link.

outdoor dining chair | striped rug | lumbar pillow | patchwork pillow | ceiling fan

Happy July, everyone! We’re gearing up for a fun and patriotic weekend and hope you are too. Our Room of the Week is just that-fun and patriotic. The new July issue is out and is full of all-American summer inspiration. Featuring red, white and blue details, this screened porch is a perfect weekend retreat, as seen in our “Nautical Escape” feature. Just off the master bedroom, this casual space offers a great place to relax with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Outfitted with a custom daybed and a small table and chairs, what else do you need? We’re helping you get the look for your own all-American look this holiday weekend. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the new July issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Nautical Escape appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Arkansas in the Making: Morgan Hill Creative

ark_admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 16:12:04 +0000

Arkansas in the Making is a series of interviews featuring local artisans, their workspaces and accoutrements. For this post, we interviewed Morgan Hill, a Little Rock artist and designer who specializes in woodworking, furniture design and making, and jewelry design and making.

At Home in Arkansas: Define your personal style in 6 words. Morgan Hill: “Twin Peaks”/white box have offspring.

At Home in Arkansas: What are your current obsessions? Morgan Hill: Scientific illustrations + burnt things + Julia Deville + gay rights + vintage Hawaiian

At Home in Arkansas: What color could you not live without? Morgan Hill: PINK!! Most specifically, warm pale pinks and corals.

At Home in Arkansas: Tell us about why you make what you make…a history, timeline or some sort of list. Morgan Hill: I started school as a drawing major at a fine arts college, switched to interior design, then moved again to study furniture design and woodworking, which gives me the best of both worlds. Between all the fine arts and design classes in eight years, I learned a little bit of everything. I need to burn my creative fires in many different ways to reach true fulfillment, so I have just continued to do a little bit of everything. My most intense passion lies in craft, but I love to take on projects involving installation, watercolor, costuming, 2D design, illustration, even taxidermy. These days I spend most of my time on furniture projects and getting my jewelry business going.

At Home in Arkansas: What is your greatest achievement or goal for your brand? Morgan Hill: I would like to support myself with my work. That seems to be the hardest thing that my artist friends and I face. I would like to be one of the few who live off their passions without getting hungry.

At Home in Arkansas: What is your go-to for a quick burst of inspiration? Morgan Hill: Pinterest, for sure. I once thought I had lost all my pins. I cried. Then I called Pinterest. It was fixed quickly.

At Home in Arkansas: Which of your tools is most important for your work? Describe it, how long you’ve had it, etc. Morgan Hill: I couldn’t do without my Foredom Flex Shaft these days. It takes on so many roles. It is a motorized rotary tool. I was just given my very own. I have been using one for a few years though.

At Home in Arkansas: What makes your workspace, studio, etc. uniquely yours? Morgan Hill: It, in fact, is not uniquely mine at all. I can’t afford all the equipment on my own, so I share a shop with many other artists. Most of the time I like it that way. I get to share ideas and draw inspiration from them any time I want.

At Home in Arkansas: To an aspiring artisan, what would you say is the most important part of doing creative work? Morgan Hill: Finding an art community to share in your passion. Even if it’s just a few people to start, it will grow. Artists like to support each other. It has meant the most to my work and my career to know like-minded artists.

At Home in Arkansas: How does your lifestyle support your work? Morgan Hill: I work at the Esse Purse Museum and live just down the street in SoMa, Little Rock. I am surrounded by creative people and beautiful things everyday I’m so inspired sometimes it physically hurts. Plus, somehow I have so many people that want to see me succeed, and that makes me want to work even harder. I’m very lucky.

At Home in Arkansas: What do you want your customers to know about you/your work? Morgan Hill: There is one drop of my blood on every piece I make. Ha ha, joking. I would like my customers to know how grateful I am for their support. It feels so good to make other people happy with what also makes me happy. I’m not sure I would last long without them.

At Home in Arkansas: Within the field of your work, who is your greatest inspiration/influence/role model, etc? Morgan Hill: Picking one person seems impossible. Polly Morgan, Maurizio Cattelan, Julia Deville, Avery Lawrence, my Southern upbringing, my professors, mid-century modern … I could go on for a while.

Thank you, Morgan! And as a bonus for you, today, Morgan is giving away a custom set of earrings and a ring To enter: go and “Like” the Morgan Hill Creative Facebook page, then “Like” the At Home in Arkansas Facebook page and let us know you’ve done so by leaving a comment below! A winner will be selected at random on next Wednesday, July 2, at 4pm, so be sure to check back to see if you won. Best of luck!

WE HAVE A WINNER! MARGARET CAUDELL ALLEN was randomly selected! Thanks to all who entered.

Find Morgan Hill Creative: WEBSITE/FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM/P INTEREST

[Photography by Megan Douglas]

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Patriotic Picnic Recipes

ark_admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 10:43:25 +0000

Cheesecake in a Jar

1 recipe of cheesecake custard (recipe follows)
Graham crunch (recipe follows)
Macerated berries (recipe follows)
Pint-sized mason jars

In each mason jar, layer the graham crunch, then strawberries & raspberries, then the liquid cheesecake, and finish with the blueberries & blackberries. Can be assembled the night before serving.

Cheesecake Custard
8 oz cream cheese
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 TBS Lemon zest
1 TBS Corn starch
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
2 TBS Milk
1 Egg

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese for two minutes. Add the sugar & lemon zest after scraping down the sides. Beat for three minutes at medium speed. Meanwhile, mix the corn starch & salt in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the milk and then the egg to make a slurry. With the mixer running slowly, stream in the milk slurry into the cream cheese mixture. Continue to mix for three more minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Line a square baking dish with plastic wrap & pour mixture into the dish. Bake for 15-25 minutes. You are looking for a loose, pudding-like texture, so you want it to jiggle a bit. The end result should be pliable & gooey & delicious. Let cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate.

Graham Crunch
1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
3 TBS Sugar
1/2 cup Powdered milk
1 tsp Kosher salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 stick of butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Mix all the dry ingredients together & then stir in the melted butter. Spread out on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper & bake for 30 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes & then break apart into little chunks. Store in an air-tight container for up to a week.

Berries
1 quart strawberries, hulled & sliced
1 pint raspberries
2 pints blueberries
1 pint blackberries
1 cup of sugar, divided
1 TBS orange zest
1 TBS grand mariner or creme de cassis, divided

Mix the sliced strawberries with the raspberries, orange zest, and half the sugar & liquor
Mix the blueberries and black berries with the remaining ingredients.

Watermelon Green Iced Tea
4 cups of cubed, seedless watermelon
5 green tea bags
3/4 cup of sugar
1 sprig of mint

In a large pot, bring 32oz of water to boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and let steep covered for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, purée the watermelon in a blender. Then strain through a fine mesh Make a mint simple syrup by combining 3/4 cup water with the 3/4 cup sugar in a small sauce pan. Stir & bring to a boil. Remove from heat & add the mint sprig & cover for at least 15 minutes. Remove mint before using this simple syrup.
Combine the tea with watermelon juice & add the mint simple syrup.

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Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Sit a Spell

ark_admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 09:35:00 +0000

Quick: How many rooms do you have in your house? I bet you can rattle the total right off! Next, how many bedrooms? how many baths? I bet you even know the total square footage without even thinking about it. But, I bet you are leaving out one area that you NEVER thought of! And I’m not talking about that ‘bonus room’ realtors like to list in the selling details. If you have a patio, terrace, stretch of yard loosely bounded by a wall and plantings, or even a relatively level bit of ground beneath a tree, you have a whole new room to use. One to decorate, accessorize, just have fun in. It’s time you turn your eye to that area and create a great space in which to live, congregate, contemplate, enjoy and take those moments to live life to the fullest.

The idea of garden ‘rooms’ is not new. English landscapers all the way back to the middle of the eighteenth century considered them an integral part of garden design. But what passed for a garden ‘room’ in those days—a lone wrought iron bench placed on mown grass, maybe paired with an urn on a pedestal, shielded by an impenetrable hedge—didn’t lend itself to real gatherings or informality. Think Tom Jones, or a scene out of many Jane Austen novels. What you need to think about for your room is what you like to do, what sort of stamp you want to put on your decorating there, and then have at it.

First, let’s start with seating. How many people do you usually entertain? What sort of party do you like? The options for chairs, sofas, ottomans, and settees are endless, so you need to consider your space, what sort of configuration you have room for, and how you want your guests to interact. And remember that you want a place where people can feel at ease, so look to something new, maybe even something rounded, like the piece here. Formality doesn’t always translate to the outdoors, so you can be looser—and more inventive—than if it were inside. And don’t fear upholstered pieces; the days of mildew and faded prints are over. New processes mean fabrics are now able to last longer than one season, and can repel stains or relentless sun. And nothing has to match, unless you want it to. Gardens lend themselves to serendipity, and yours should be no exception.

The translation of al fresco dining is literally taking the meal outside, so think about a table. Many travel articles about the Mediterranean feature smiling dinner guests seated around an oak table that has been brought outside, and placed under a gnarled olive tree. You should think about something more permanent, maybe a fixture you can use many months out of the year, and won’t need to cart into storage. If you have a grill and someone in your family who likes to show off prowess with it, then you will want a table large enough to feed a group of hungry guests. Keep this in mind, guests that are seated around the table in such a way, with your landscape surrounding them, good food being prepared as they watch, tend to linger, and remember the quality of your entertaining.

Now you’re thinking about how to fill your new room, where do you go to find the right stuff? It’s easy. Crate and Barrel, CB2, West Elm, Pottery Barn, and Restoration Hardware all now have catalogs devoted solely to outdoor furniture and accessories. And they have great websites where you can see everything. Lots of retailers are getting in on the outdoor entertaining trend, so you won’t have trouble finding what you seek. You can add to the square footage of your home, decorate it as you see fit, and find one more place in which to show your guests a good time.

The post Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Sit a Spell appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Redefining Dapper

ark_admin — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 08:50:56 +0000

We’re grabbing our color inspiration from the oh-so-dapper fashion spread in the June issue. Did you see those handsome gentlemen sporting quality staples, mixed prints, and luxurious essentials? Well, there’s more. We’re also offering up a fresh take on grooming, which is what you see here. You’ll find shaving cream, shaving brush, razor and more. Summer parties are in full swing, and men have to look their best as well. Like we say, color inspiration can come from anywhere! Check out these great finds and more men’s fashion in the full story online or you can read in the June issue.

{paint colors: sage green light; chantilly lace; cordovan; caramel kiss}

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Friday Favorites: 6.27.14

ark_admin — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 10:23:37 +0000

Our staff’s favorite web finds this week:

Blythe Cate, Graphic Designer WHAT SHE FOUND:

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “This graphic designer’s cozy abode has personality and charming details. Seems like the perfect place to feel relaxed and inspired!“

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: The Glitter Guide, “Style at Home: Jaclyn Lee”

Chip Jones, Editor in Chief WHAT HE FOUND: Brooke Giannetti’s blog

WHAT HE SAID ABOUT IT: “I love Brooke’s style and always look forward to her latest posts.”

WHERE HE FOUND IT: http://brookegiannetti.typepad.com/

Mandy Keener, Art Director WHAT SHE FOUND:

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “i love love love her coffee table and the mural (i hate that word) behind her bed“

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Rue Daily, “At Home With: Kim Matza”

Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor WHAT SHE FOUND:

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I’m loving Nicole Balch’s inspiration roundups. She is scouring the web for great finds in fun and funky home decor! Click through on each of these images to see even MORE in each category.”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Nicole Balch on Interior Collective, “Amazing Black and White Art Pieces” and (on her own blog) Making it Lovely, “A Groovy Kind of Porch”

The post Friday Favorites: 6.27.14 appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Bringing the Beach Home, Dining Room

ark_admin — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 10:07:22 +0000

slipcovered chair | pedestal | jars | chandelier

Harper Howey Interiors brings a casual, shore-inspried style throughout this Fayetteville home. We’re showcasing the family’s formal dining room this week. The home is designed with inspiration from the homeowner’s favorite beach spot, Rosemary Beach, which is along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A. Homes in the area often feature a cool palette of ocean-inspired blues and greens, slipcovered furniture, and weathered wood. Used for holidays and special gatherings, the dining room’s more formal design still ties in with the overall look of the home. The upholstered bench is the perfect perch for children and brings a sunny yellow into the room’s palette. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the June issue on newsstands.

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Dwell on Design Recap

ark_admin — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 17:49:36 +0000

Last weekend I returned from the American Society of Interior Designer’s Chapter Leadership Conference which was held in conjunction with Dwell on Design in Los Angeles.

Not to miss an opportunity to see a trade show, especially one in such an influential location as LA, I made a point to visit during my down-time, between the ASID meetings. Although several exhibits were a repeat from previous shows, I did see a few things that I was very excited about! Here are a few that I had to share:

Castellan Parquet Porcelain Tile from Classic Tile and Mosaic

This new porcelain tile design follows the wood-look trend, but the addition of the oversized parquet look makes this product stand out from the others I’ve seen. The tiles are available in Brun, Creme, and Gris and, as you can see from the photos above, they are suitable for the interior or the exterior.

New Color Availability from Miele

Miele appliances shown in Brilliant White.

Miele appliances shown in Havana Brown.

You may already be familiar with Miele’s Brilliant White glass front option, introduced in 2012 and the winner of Interior Design Magazine’s Best of 2013, which is a pretty fabulous choice when planning a sleek kitchen. Due to the popularity of that, they are now adding two new glass colors to the line, Havana Brown and Obsidian Black. As if the glass colors weren’t cool enough, the operating panel works as a touch screen – similar to an Apple product. Not too shabby, Miele.

Shimal’e-Light in Art

Shabbat Candles in White

Drops in White

This was the first time I’ve seen product by Shimal’e – Light in Art in person and I was impressed. The designer, Shimon Peleg, creates one-of-a-kind light fixtures, windows, art and sinks. My favorite designs from the show utilized rectangular panels of stained glass to create a truly unique chandelier. All of Peleg’s creations may be customized to create the right look for your project.

Smith & Fong Plyboo Carved and Textured Panels

These textured architectural panels, newly introduced by already-popular “green” manufacturer Smith & Fong, were pretty exciting. Available as prefinished or unfinished sheets in three different styles, Reveal Collection, Plyboo Sound and Linear Line, my mind soared with all the possible applications – cabinetry, furniture, backsplash, or simply a highlighted panel on a statement wall!

These are merely a few of the exciting new products and finishes that I discovered at Dwell on Design. Stay tuned to my blog where I will unveil even more cool new products and designs from the show!

Until next time,

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Front Porch

ark_admin — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 14:14:53 +0000

We’ve been living in our construction site for well over six months now and with so much progress happening on the inside, I’m pretty embarrassed to say that slim-to-nothing has been accomplished on the outside. Today, that changes. Cue the front porch before pictures.

Lots of white going on. Lots of old, dirty, spider web-hued white going on…while I wasn’t quite ready to go to town with a paint brush, I had a serious hunch that switching up the boring white shutters with a few board and batten cedar beauties would be amazing.

This was not my first cedar shutter rodeo. Right around a year ago I was DIYing the same style of shutters for the old house. For the first go-round, I assembled the shutters before mounting them on the exterior of the house (click here for that how-to). On this house, however, I had a different idea in mind. Same shutters, different game plan.

For this project—we’ll call it Project Cedar Shutter 2.0—I decided to build the new shutters directly on top of the existing shutters. The existing shutters were actually of pretty darn good quality—sturdy and in great shape—but the main reason I took this route was because the old shutters were coated in layers and layers of paint that would likely rip the front porch siding to shreds in an attempt to remove them. I was not prepared to ruin my day with that obstacle.

So I started by measuring and cutting 1 x 6 cedar planks to just a smidge (maybe an inch) longer than the existing shutters. Then using exterior screws, I secured them to the old shutters, making sure the screws would be well hidden behind the horizontal pieces of cedar that would go across the top and bottom of each shutter when finished.

Once all of the vertical boards were secure, I added the short horizontal pieces 12 inches from the tops and bottoms of each shutter.

Here we are half way through. Big difference. Huge.

One more pair of shutters just like the first and this DIY was a wrap.

Lots left to do on the old front porch to-do list but not a bad start, especially when a couple comfy chairs made for sauvignon blanc sipping work their way into the mix.

Cara Hazlewood is a real estate broker and a devoted do-it-yourself-er. She writes about her home transformations on her blog, Live the Home Life.

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Color Coordinated: The Man Behind the Masks

ark_admin — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 09:28:35 +0000

Davis Tillman, owner of Hot Springs’ famous antique shop, Tillman’s Antiques, has seen a lot of different collections and antiques over the years. However, his personal collection is one of primitive, vintage, and ball-worthy masks. Tillman developed an interest for masks of all kinds at a young age while he and his family were living in Washington, D.C. His colorful collection is our color obsession of the week, which includes shades of brown, red, orange, and hints of blue and gray. Do you have your own collection or have a love of antiques? Is your collection revolved around one color? Or a specific color palette? Find out more about Tillman’s Antiques or see our collections archive here. Read the full story online or find a copy of the June issue on newsstands.

{paint colors: poolhouse; boulder brown; gladiola; delightful yellow}

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Room of the Week: European Union, Breakfast Room

ark_admin — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 10:28:05 +0000

We’re back with another “Room of the Week” feature and this week it’s all about the breakfast room. Not just any breakfast room…one with European-inspired style and beautiful furnishings and draperies. Sister design team Talena Ray and Mona Thompson of Providence Design are renowned for their ability to incorporate found objects and European influence into interiors. Here, a chandelier with a burlap drum shade lights up casual meals, while a French bleached-wood cabinet, topped with antique olive oil jars and wine jugs, provides storage. Patterned draperies continue the home’s palette of white, gray, and yellow. What’s your favorite part about this space? Read the full story online here or find a copy of the June issue on newsstands.

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From Providence Design: Garage Doors

ark_admin — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 09:43:34 +0000

It’s all in the details…and for us that means inside and out…

I recently had Angelfish Studios redo my garage doors…she took them from painted doors…to awesome stained wood…they now look like the stained doors on the front of my home…

For a home we designed that is featured in At Home this month, click here to see the entire house.…we had Angelfish paint the shutters and garage doors to match in a fabulous dark grey finish…

Another Angel Fish Studios garage re-do…

Hardware can make a big difference too…

image via Velvet and Linen blog

A painted black door…

image via dering hall

image via design sponge

image via menuremcclure.com

For a fabulous home you love to come home to…Don’t ignore the details…even when it comes to the garage.

It’s your turn. Let’s talk!

Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.

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What’s Your Favorite Way to Use White in Bedroom Decor?

ark_admin — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 09:07:48 +0000

Which of these bedrooms from past issues suits your personal style? Click on the image to see more from each home, and vote for your favorite below!

A. Classicly Cream (Photography: Nancy Nolan)

B. Girly in Gray (Photography: Rett Peek)

C. True-White Chic (Photography: Nancy Nolan)

D. Cottage Rustic Pale (Photography: Rett Peek)

The post What’s Your Favorite Way to Use White in Bedroom Decor? appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Teen Girls’ Hangout

ark_admin — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 08:39:44 +0000

A Fayetteville home designed by Harper Howey Interiors is full of color and style and this teen girls’ hangout is no exception. Navy and pink make for a preppy and fun color palette. Imperial Trellis wallpaper by Schumacher creates a whimsical accent wall, while a bright magenta ceiling offers girlish glamour. Paired with a white, tree-inspired table by Stray Dog Designs, two upholstered, high-back chairs from Lighting Emporium provide additional pattern and coordinate with the design. What’s your favorite part of this colorful room? Read the full story online or find a copy of the June issue on newsstands.

Photography by Rett Peek

{paint colors: dignity blue; exuberant pink; lemon twist; montana sky}

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Friday Favorites 6.13.14

ark_admin — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 09:41:35 +0000

Our staff’s favorite web finds this week

Mandy Keener, Art Director WHAT SHE FOUND:

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Loving this hand-painted wall covering by Clara Vuletich and thinking how snazzy it would look in my bright white bedroom…”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Design Milk, “Clara Vuletich”

Blythe Cate, Graphic Designer WHAT SHE FOUND:

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Really– What’s better than a tasty bagel sandwich on the weekend? You can bet I’ll be hosting a bagel brunch ASAP.”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Bon Appetit, “How to Throw the Ultimate Bagel Brunch” (image credit: Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott)

Emilie Head, Account Executive WHAT SHE FOUND:

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I love these tips on how to freshen up your home for summer with color from Embellish Interiors!”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Embellish, “Brighten Up for Summer with New Color Trends”

Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor WHAT SHE FOUND:

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I love this floral chandy idea for indoors or outdoors, and I can imagine styling it lots of different ways, depending on what flowers you choose. Just so pretty and fancy!”

WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Design Sponge “DIY Project: Hanging Floral Chandelier”

The post Friday Favorites 6.13.14 appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: European Union

ark_admin — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 09:37:35 +0000

light fixture | boxwood | tray | faucet | duel fuel range

It’s almost the weekend and if you need some kitchen inspiration, you’re in the right place. This beautiful European-inspired kitchen is our Room of the Week, designed by sisters Talena Ray and Mona Thompson of Providence Design. The heavily-veined granite countertops combined with the diamond-shaped, mixed-stone backsplash give the kitchen design color and movement. Ray and Thompson commissioned the iron light fixture centered over the island. This kitchen also features custom kitchen cabinets with a blue-gray glaze reminiscent of the patina of antique painted furniture. We’ve rounded up a few items to help you get the look. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the June issue on newsstands.

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Outside the Box with D. Keeley: June Update

ark_admin — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:04:19 +0000

Rain, rain, go AWAY! I hate to be such a sore sport, but my goodness I wish the rain would let up just a bit! Haha. Well, my sour attitude aside, the ample rain certainly has made for a lush month here around the house, and it has kept temperatures relatively cool…for which I am very grateful.

The past month has been a busy time of planting (between rain showers) cleaning and preparing for more events. In the front entry garden, we removed the white tulips that were so triumphant this spring and replaced them with white begonias. This classic bedding plant is perfect for the front of the house which receives a mixture of sun and shade. This year, they are arguably getting a little more sun than they would like because, unfortunately, we had to remove the large maple that anchored the front left portion of the garden. Although, we were extra careful not to disturb it during all the remodeling construction and new garden installation, the tree just was not happy with its new surroundings, I guess. It was showing signs of severe stress last summer, but I waited until this year just to be sure, hoping it would recover. But, alas, it died completely, and so it has been removed. I am currently trying to decide what should replace it. The decision is not as simple as I would like, due to the presence of overhead power lines. As much as I would like to replace the maple with another large shade tree, it really is not a responsible choice, since I know the power company will simply hack it to pieces once it gets too large. So, I am considering several smaller, flowering trees instead, including cherry, Japanese snowbell and serviceberry. Other than this one disappointing setback, the garden is thriving! Just next to the empty spot created by the removal of the maple, the hostas are just about to burst into bloom.

Around the corner, the perennial garden has at least doubled in mass since last month.

The allium have come and gone, and other varieties, such as iceberg roses, Shasta daisies and artemisia have stolen the show.

In the fountain garden, the new iris are blooming, despite having just been planted. They still have a lot of filling in to do, but I am thrilled to see them flowering so soon.

There have also been other guests pop up in the fountain garden…baby birds! The garden has been teeming with nesting birds for a couple months now, and this Robin’s nest is just visible from the kitchen window. It is nestled among the branches of one of the crab apple trees near the fountain where I can watch the little babies grow.

Perhaps the most impressive growth, however, has been in the kitchen garden. It has absolutely exploded…so much so that I can’t keep up in harvesting everything. Still, it so fun to cut greens for a fresh salad or grab some herbs for grilling meat when I can!

As I mentioned, we have also been preparing for more exciting events around the house. The next one is a collaboration with my friend and cohort, Jen Lewis, who will be grilling some delectable seasonal treats for our guests.

As part of the preparations, I used three large, potted holly trees to close off the entrance to the driveway. They help make the adjacent garden areas more private and, when viewed from certain angles, blend right into the permanent holly hedge separating the garden from the street. I have never been able to resist the urge to convert a driveway or carport into another outdoor living space, and this is an easy and temporary way to do just that. You might consider doing something similar if you need a bit of extra space for your next garden party.

Also in preparing for more outside-the-box events, we have not forgotten about the inside of the house, either. Meet Barry the barracuda. He is the latest addition to the walls of the den and the perfect, unexpected way to greet new guests!

Well there you have it…another month has flown by. Please come back next month (my birthday month and of course that of the country’s, as well!) to see the latest!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: June Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Lindsey Binz Offers Summer Style Inspiration

ark_admin — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 09:19:44 +0000

Well Summertime has finally arrived and it’s time to add some summertime style to your home!

Try adding lighter, brighter accessories. This might be as simple as new colorful table runner

or a new floor rug.

Studio 306

Put away anything that evokes heat –

fire logs, heavy rugs and draperies, heaters, and thick blankets.

Replace candles with vessels for fresh cut flowers or succulents

and trade in your winter mats with lightweight ones.

Winter will be out of sight and, thankfully, out of mind.

Better Homes and Gardens

This summer, wicker is set to star both inside and out.

Inside try an updated coffee table of rattan or a set of wicker dining chairs in the breakfast area.

ladolcevitablog

Paint Something with chalk paint!

fun home things

Set up al fresco dining at a small garden table on a porch or in the yard

Even if it is just for the kids…how cute is that???

The style files

Now that you have a few ideas, go enjoy your summer in a newly styled space!

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company, a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s). If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too! Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

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(Even More) Father’s Day Gift Ideas

ark_admin — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 11:04:15 +0000

You’ve already seen our favorite local finds for Father’s Day in the June issue (find them here: grooming/grilling/fashion), and if you’re still scrambling to find the perfect gift for your father this week, check out these ideas from around the web.

Clockwise: Scratch-off world map; Garmin fenix™ GPS watch; REI double hammock; Yeti Rambler 20oz tumbler

Clockwise: Creativity: The Perfect Crime by Philippe Petit; Collected Works Co. Four-Pouch Bundle; In the Sky by de Kooning framed art print; Moleskine® photo notebook by milkbooks

Clockwise: gaming table; fredericks & mae dart board; Razorback tailgater tub; mouth.com snack mouth taster

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Color Coordinated: Man the Grill

ark_admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 08:32:10 +0000

Our June issue is full of stylish finds and fresh ideas, but today our color inspiration comes from the perfect outdoor accessories for your Father’s Day cookout. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15th, and we’ve gathered a red and white gingham tablecloth, root beer, The W&P Cocktail kit, and grilling utensils, just to name a few, that your dad will love. What is your dad’s favorite barbecue must-have item? Enjoy your cookouts all summer long. You can find all the great gift ideas we’ve rounded up for dad here. Read the full story online or find a copy of the new June issue on newsstands.

{paint colors: fireworks; midsummer gale; grandma’s apron; organic green}

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Friday Favorites: 6.6.14

ark_admin — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:32:01 +0000

Our staff’s favorite web finds this week

Blythe Cate, Graphic Designer WHAT SHE FOUND:

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Oh, I love this bold green floor, surrounded by crisp white walls. Open those airy curtains, and you’ve got a perfect setting for a meal on a hot summer day!” WHERE SHE FOUND IT: SF Girl by Bay “The Shutterbugs: Idha Lindhag”

Jennifer Hay, Senior Account Executive WHAT SHE FOUND:

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “Isn’t it awful to go to an event and not be able to find a comfortable place to sit? Tuft & Table is solving that problem by offering furniture that makes you want to sit and stay a while.” WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Tuft & Table blog, “Offer Comfortable Seating to Foster Conversation at Your Event”

Tiffany Adams, Managing Editor WHAT SHE FOUND:

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “The pinatas in this post are such a cute–and simple–take on a wedding guestbook! Don’t forget our sister publication, Weddings in Arkansas, is taking REAL WEDDING SUBMISSIONS for the next issue. Get all the details HERE.” WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Emmaline Bride, “Guest Book Alert: Wedding Piñata”

Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor WHAT SHE FOUND:

WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT IT: “I’m going to make these and serve them in place of the standard veggie tray the very next chance I get. How colorful and fresh!” WHERE SHE FOUND IT: Darling magazine, “Rainbow Spring Rolls with Almond Butter Dipping Sauce”

The post Friday Favorites: 6.6.14 appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Bringing the Beach Home

ark_admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 09:56:34 +0000

Architectural Digest “Grand Central” May 2012 (May Douk, Photo: Simon Watson )

chandelier | sofa | pillows | chevron tray | coral

This week’s “Room of the Week” brings us casual, shore-inspired style from a Fayetteville home designed by Harper Howey Interiors. To bring the look of an elegant beachside home to Northwest Arkansas, the team at Harper Howey Interiors started with a neutral base that includes white walls and cabinetry along with tan and cream furnishings. Bold lighting and accent pillows bring in colors reminiscent of a lush seascape in the adjoining living room. Rich, textured fabrics and a mirrored coffee table add a hint of glamour. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the June issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Bringing the Beach Home appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Stack ‘Em Up!

ark_admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 14:48:02 +0000

Those of us of a certain age will remember using concrete blocks—yes, those concrete blocks, with hollow cores and rough edges—as shelf supports. They were lugged inside and, in conjunction with basic lumberyard boards, contained our stereos, books, and the occasional potted plant. We were happy to leave them behind when we attained a more secure economic status. Well, here’s a new way to think about using them, and they won’t contain any of those volumes the campus bookstore refused to accept for resale.

The idea is quite simple: find a level surface and stack them, so that the occasional block is extended from the pillar. Plant in the hollow core. You won’t need a master builder, but you will need to ensure the blocks are on a completely flat surface. Use a leveler to make sure. Depending on the amount of blocks you have, begin arranging them so that every second, third, or fourth level of your stack will feature an extended brick. You want strength out of the column, so stacks should probably be at least two blocks wide, if not more.

You might want to draw out a diagram, or ‘practice’ stacking the blocks. You’ll need an ample amount blocks, no matter if you build a column, retaining wall, support for a pergola, or something else. This part is the most time consuming, but you want to build with care, so your handiwork doesn’t topple over just as you walk away. Use both the logical and creative sides of your brain—right side and left—for building calculations and the look of your design.

Step back frequently as you stack to make sure your design is on each side of your stack. You want extended blocks on each side, and from each column. This step is important if you are creating a freestanding column because you want people to see your plantings on each side of the stack. Don’t be afraid to start over again! Design is about creating!

If you are looking for a permanent structure, then you can mortar the blocks. If not, think of this project as a great temporary addition to your patio or barbecue area where your guests will gather. Create a tower, have several blocks extending from it, then prepare to plant in the hollow cores. The best way to plant in them is to cut some wire mesh to create a pocket to hold the soil. Mold the mesh into the hollow core, with a small amount left as a securing ‘lip’ on the edge, so the mesh won’t fall through with the weight of soil and plant. Add a bit of potting mix, then your plants. Pack sphagnum moss around the plant to create a more finished look and also hide the mesh left around the edge.

Have fun with your plant selection because they probably won’t stay in their pockets long. If healthy, they’ll outgrow their space soon. Erecting these columns or walls in shady areas is a good idea because your plant selection can be more interesting and varied, and watering won’t have to be as frequent. Ferns, succulents, bromeliads, and specimens with variegated foliage should be used for best show against the concrete, so shade becomes even more important. Remember, cram it and shove it!! Don’t be afraid to use lots of varieties and LOTS of color!

Once you’ve created your tower, and planted in the little ‘balconies’ you’ve incorporated in your design, step back and admire what you’ve done. Using and stacking concrete blocks as a design for plantings beats a simple bookshelf any day.

Remember, Live Life to the Fullest!

–Chris

The post Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Stack ‘Em Up! appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Decorating with Cece Foruchy Quinn: Eclectic Inspiration

ark_admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 10:28:28 +0000

Just when I think I’m ready to paint my whole house white and simplify, simplify, simplify — inspiration strikes. I always love a healthy mix of prints and patterns, but these days I’m embracing full-blown eclecticism. Lately my favorite images have been those featuring mixes of styles and colors without too much structure. But they all seem to work so perfectly. It requires just the right combination of textures, antiques, and beautiful textiles. Here I’ve rounded up my favorite eclectic spaces to get you inspired. Enjoy!

Kathryn Ireland

Umberto Pasti at home in Tangier, T Magazine “The Aesthetes” April 11, 2014 (Photo: Will Sanders)

Elle Decor “An Italian Apartment with a Rich History” (Photo: Simon Upton)

from Rooms to Inspire in the City by Annie Kelly, photos by Tim Street-Porter (Rizzoli 2010)

Lisa Fine Textiles via Hollywood at Home

Lisa Fine in Elle Decor “Self Portrait” November 2008 (Photo: Simon Upton)

Lorenzo Castillo in Elle Decor “Spanish Conquest” (Photo: Simon Upton)

Do you like to mix things up or do you prefer to keep it simple when it comes to your decor? Let us know in the comments!

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Decorating with Cece Foruchy Quinn: Eclectic Inspiration

ark_admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 08:57:01 +0000

Architectural Digest

Katheryn M. Ireland

Umberto Pasti at home in Tangier via T Magazine

Elle Decor

Carolina Irving

Lisa Fine

also Lisa Fine

Lorenzo Castillo via Elle Decor

Do you like to mix things up or do you prefer to keep it simple when it comes to your decor? Let us know in the comments!

The post Decorating with Cece Foruchy Quinn: Eclectic Inspiration appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

What is Your Kitchen Style?

ark_admin — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 16:29:36 +0000

Find your kitchen style by perusing these four very different, eye-catching kitchens from past issues. And click on the images to see more of each home! Are you…

A. Urban Cool (Photography: Nancy Nolan)

B. Southern Lovely (Photography: Nancy Nolan)

C. Colonial Cozy (Photography: Nancy Nolan)

or D. Old-World Opulent (Photography: Rett Peek)

Which style speaks to you?

And, since we’re talking kitchens, if you have a favorite Arkansas kitchen and bath designer, tell us! To nominate, click here.

The post What is Your Kitchen Style? appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: European Union

ark_admin — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 10:20:40 +0000

Happy summer! After a rainy weekend, we thought this bright and sunny poolside palette would cheer up your Monday. Sisters and designers, Mona Thompson and Talena Ray of Providence Design give the Bottins a one-of-a-kind home with European flair right here in West Little Rock. We will be sharing more of the interiors throughout the month, so let’s get back to the pool. Staggered flagstone pavers in the dining porch and around the pool blend with nature, while the pool’s deep aqua color was inspired by a resort pool the Bottins spotted on vacation. Teak furniture is topped with neutral cushions, while a muted yellow umbrella ties the space to the interiors. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the new June issue on newsstands.

{paint colors: blue whale; midday; leap frog; dover white}

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Friday Favorites 5.30.14

ark_admin — Fri, 30 May 2014 11:05:05 +0000

Mandy Keener, Art Director: “GAH! As Veruca Salt would say I WANT IT NOW…and I know just the place to hang it.” {Design Crush, “Calvin Ross Carl“}

Kelly Fraiser, Publisher: “The distressed painted furniture and fun fabrics give this house so much personality. I LOVE IT!” {House of Turquoise, “Tracey Rapisardi Design“}

Chip Jones, Publisher: “I fell in love with this hedgehog garden statue that I found on the Tone on Tone blog this week. I love things like this that are simple and make you smile when run across them – what a treat it would be to run across this in the garden!” {Tone on Tone blog, “New Shipment Preview“}

Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor: “The home tour of this bayou cottage knocks my socks off.” {Garden and Gun, June/July 2014, “Homeplace: The Ultimate Bayou Cottage“}

Blythe Cate, Graphic Designer: “With real weddings submissions open for our next Weddings in Arkansas issue (email weddings@athomearkansas.com for details), there’s nothing but nuptials on my brain! I love these map paper cones for a pretty rose petal toss.” {Style Me Pretty, “A Vintage Wedding that Fully Embraces Pastels“}

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Room of the Week: The Next Chapter, Living Room

ark_admin — Thu, 29 May 2014 08:57:13 +0000

accent table | chrome cube | pillows | floor lamp | animal rug

Homeowner Bill Hardin came back to the neighborhood where he grew up to find this historic Fayetteville home, which he renovated with the design guidance and expertise of Dale Trice of Florida. In the living room, pleated linen draperies recede against the soft white walls. A pearlized paint finish highlights the room’s original millwork, which was also left intact during the renovation. The French painting of a jazz musician is from Boswell Mourot Fine Art. “Mr. Hardin has a very keen eye for design,” says Trice, “he wanted the interiors to feel updated; not necessarily modern or traditional, but somewhere in the middle.” Find more before photos of the rest of the home and read the full story online here or find a copy of the May issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: The Next Chapter, Living Room appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Making Repurposing Magic with Katie Henry

ark_admin — Wed, 28 May 2014 11:40:54 +0000

When I start the design process for my clients I always start with figuring out their personality and style. It is important for your space to represent your personality and since we are all unique, each space should be uniquely ours. Finding a way to repurpose a vintage piece or simply reupholstering a beloved existing piece is a way I like to bring that individuality in. Good design doesn’t mean buying all new. Good design pulls from everywhere to round out a room that becomes special to that particular person. Be brave with your purchases and have vision. You don’t always have to buy expensive to make it a statement piece in your home.

Some of my favorite pieces I have done in clients’ homes have been the “junk” pieces in a flea market that just needed to be brought back to life. Below are a range of projects incorporating flea market pieces, new, completely bad and turning them into that statement piece.

Thinking outside the box can be finding a basket at a flea market and creating a one of a kind light fixture. Almost anything can be made into a light fixture!

Passing by this couch you could easily look past it. What caught my eye was the lines, especially the exposed back. I saw the potential in this becoming a fabulous outdoor sofa.

When starting this project for two teenage girls, they already owned these two chaises. To add a little flair to their rooms I chose hot pink linen to reupholster.

Don’t always rule out a fun find based on it not being the perfect color or finish. To achieve the high lacquer finish we dropped the mirror off at a local auto body shop and they worked their magic. With a little paint and vision we made this mirror a focal point for the Tulip’s renovation.

We all love our HomeGoods and TJ Maxx stores but sometimes you find a piece that you need more of. We ran across this classic style accent chair but needed six for my client. Don’t stop at one but check out multiple stores. We gathered six by visiting three or four in the area. It is a classic shape but needed amping up. Easy solution was to reupholster the backs in a contrasting fabric and incorporate a timeless monogram. Personal and classic without spending thousands of dollars.

These fun character chairs were found at a local flea market. I knew they were the perfect style for Tulips. We upholstered in a hot pink velvet and painted them a high gloss white. So special and bring so much to the store.

This mid-century coffee table was the perfect height to repurpose as a bench. Painted with a custom made cushion completely transformed the piece.

Keep an open mind, take your time and don’t be afraid to take a risk. Those will end up being your favorite pieces.

Katie Henry is the founder and principal designer at Katie Grace Designs. See more of Katie’s work on her WEBSITE, and follow her on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.

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Bookshelf to TV Stand

ark_admin — Wed, 28 May 2014 12:54:00 +0000

I don’t care who you are. No one absolutely 100% loves moving. Sure, you may crave a change of scenery. Yes, you may be all for the intense purge of items no longer used. I get it. I’m cool with those sides of moving, too but the one thing that drives me directly to the nearest wall to bang my head against is finding a spot in the new house for everything that fit so well in the old house.

Case in point, this chunky bookcase…

In the old house, this tall drink of water found the perfect fit in my guestroom, but at the new house? No such luck. After nearly six months of scratching my head, I just couldn’t find the right gig for him in the new casa…until one day while laying sideways on the sofa across the room, I saw this guy in a whole new light. Flip him on his side, add some legs and we were in TV stand heaven! Just what the hubs needed for his man cave in the making. Let’s do this.

First things first, I used a mallet and jigsaw to remove the apron around the bottom of the bookcase.

Then the project headed outside to stain the then-bottom, now-side of the then-bookcase, now-tv stand and a few legs a matching dark walnut finish.

Attached the legs to the bottom of the cabinet…

…and that hubby of mine was ready to watch TV in style.

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Color Coordinated: Serene in the City

ark_admin — Tue, 27 May 2014 08:11:09 +0000

We hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend with family and friends. Today, we’re inspired by a Little Rock home renovation by designer Bill Beringer. The home once had a smaller galley-style kitchen, but after the renovation they have a spacious open kitchen with a seating area and fireplace, as well as a large breakfast area with a view. The title of this article says it all. It is most definitely a serene space. Tall arrangements by About Vase add color and compliment the room’s ceiling height. We love the color palette used on the table setting and also the hints of blue and green shown in the patterned napkins. See more of the home’s transformation and read the full story online here or you can find the story in the May issue.

{paint colors: dusky lavender; kestrel white; vegan; escape}

And for more color palettes like this one–complete with paint color details–check out other posts in the Color Coordinated series.

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Arkansas in the Making: Kent Walker Artisan Cheese

ark_admin — Fri, 23 May 2014 10:02:50 +0000

At Home in Arkansas: Define your personal style in 6 words.

Laid back, hard working hippie affineur

-What are your current obsessions?

Breaking Bad, Cheese Aging Techniques, Building our tasting room

-What color could you not live without?

Green, being in nature cheers me up

-Tell us about why you make what you make…a history, timeline or some sort of list.

I make cheese because it makes people happy. Also the pride of making the best high quality cheese I possibly can

-What is your greatest achievement or goal for your brand?

Our greatest achievement so far is simply making it to the level we have

-What is your go-to for a quick burst of inspiration?

Working the farmers markets is very encouraging. Meeting all of the people who are excited about the cheese is great!

-Which of your tools is most important for your work? Describe it, how long you’ve had it, etc.

Our three most important tools are our cheese vat, press and aging cave. I’ve had the vat for about 9 months, it is a 12’x4′ vat(larger than a hot tub. I custom built my press about 2 years ago and am in the process of building a second one. Our cave is a big walk-in cooler. We will have an underground cellar at our new location

-What makes your workspace, studio, etc. uniquely yours?

As the sole owner I get to make the decisions defining our processes. I love embracing the old world style of cheesemaking, this shows up in the types of tools we use.

-To an aspiring artisan, what would you say is the most important part of doing creative work?

Just starting! And continuing again and again. Your first products won’t be perfect, they might not even be good. Just keep doing it and you will learn a ton.

-How does your lifestyle support your work?

My lifestyle is defined by my work. I sometimes need to be at the shop at 2am to receive milk. When cheese is on the press, it has to be flipped ever few hours, so I have to head back in for 15 minutes a few times in the evening.

-What do you want your customers to know about you/your work?

We are working so very hard to create a product that can bring joy to people. Everything we do is to improve the food scene in the US and to make something that creates happiness in the world.

-Within the field of your work, who is your greatest inspiration/influence/role model, etc?

New Belgium & Sierra Nevada because they have grown to a large size without sacrificing their morals or their quality.

Sean Minor & Montinore Wineries because they have great family businesses and amazing products!

The post Arkansas in the Making: Kent Walker Artisan Cheese appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Arkansas in the Making: Rascal & Betty

ark_admin — Fri, 23 May 2014 08:14:38 +0000

Arkansas in the Making is a new series of interviews featuring local artisans, their workspaces and accoutrements. For the first post of the series, we wanted to learn more about Rascal & Betty, a duo from northwest Arkansas who makes handcrafted signs and decor. Olivia Trimble and Jesse Weegens are the creative minds behind Sleet City Decor and American Estates, respectively, and this is their latest venture.

At Home in Arkansas: Define your personal style in 6 words. Rascal & Betty: Old school craftsmanship and design with a contemporary spin.

AHIA: What are your current obsessions? R&B: Onyx Coffeelab, sweet salvage deals, and vintage luggage.

AHIA: What color could you not live without? R&B: Mustard yellow.

AHIA: Tell us a history or evolution of your current work. R&B: We first collaborated on a sandwich board sign for Onyx Coffeelab. Our styles, ideas and attitudes meshed well, so we decided to do a few more projects together. Eventually, we were working together so frequently that we just decided to officially create our own brand, Rascal & Betty.

AHIA: What is your ultimate goal for your brand? R&B: To take over the world.

AHIA: What’s your go-to for a quick burst of inspiration? Olivia: I look to antique, hand-painted signs. Jesse: I have no shortage of inspiration. I have more ideas than I know what to do with.

AHIA: Which of your tools is most important for your work? R&B: It’s definitely Olivia’s brushes and vintage tackle box that she keeps her paint and brushes in.

AHIA: What makes your workspace/studio uniquely yours? R&B: The studio is inside of Jesse’s woodshop and was built with both function and beauty in mind. We salvaged the tin together and used our favorite pieces of reclaimed wood for the mosaic wall. It’s meant to be a space where we can brainstorm and work without distraction or mess.

AHIA: To an aspiring artisan, what would you say is the most important part of doing creative work? R&B: Expect to work harder than you’ve ever imagined, and realize that you may have a few failures before you succeed.

AHIA: How does your lifestyle support your work? R&B: Working for ourselves and having non-traditional schedules has allowed Jesse time with his son, Simon, and Olivia time with her husband, Jon, and daughters, Calliope and Eleanor. Though we may never get a full 8 hours of sleep and we spend our days juggling the kids and our work, we’re supremely happy with how things are going and wouldn’t change it for the world.

AHIA: What do you want your customers to know about you and your work? R&B: We pride ourselves in our ability to work closely with our customers and to bring their visions to life. Whether it’s a sign for their business or a unique piece to add to their home, we are eager to create something beautiful for each of our customers.

AHIA: Within your field of work, who is your greatest inspiration? Jesse: I am most inspired by the makers of the past and the quality of their work. When I find an item that has survived through the ages, it sparks my drive to create. Olivia: I am inspired by Ross Trimmer of Sure Hand Signs in Richmond, VA.

Thank you, Olivia and Jesse! Do you love that 12″x12″ Arkansas-shaped wall hanging in the photo above? We do too! And that’s why we’re giving it away! To enter: go and “Like” the Rascal & Betty Facebook page, then “Like” the At Home in Arkansas Facebook page and let us know you’ve done so by leaving a comment below about how/where you would display this adorable piece! A winner will be selected at random on next Wednesday, April 2, at 4pm. Best of luck! [This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered and many thanks to Rascal & Betty!]

Find Rascal & Betty: ETSY/FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM/TWITTER

[Photography by Marie Darrin of Firefly Photography]

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Room of the Week: Color Cues

ark_admin — Thu, 22 May 2014 07:54:56 +0000

Get the look:

starburst mirror | dining chair | napkins | lamp

We’re taking color cues from Katie Henry of Katie Grace Designs in our May issue. She worked with Little Rock homeowner Pamela Rees and gave her home an update to match her personality. The living room, kitchen and breakfast nook are all open to one another, so Henry carried the same color palette throughout the entire space. In the breakfast nook, a pair of lamps Rees already owned started it off and work well with the coral accents. A custom credenza by J & J Custom Cabinets offers storage as well as a serving space and goes great with the modern white chandelier. Read the full story online here or find a copy of the May issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Color Cues appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

From Providence Design: Getting Back to Our Roots

ark_admin — Wed, 21 May 2014 10:09:09 +0000

This time of year it seems like all we can do is think about is being outdoors, especially after the winter we just had. Its so nice after spending so much time indoors to finally just get out and get back to those roots! At Providence Design we love creating outdoor spaces that really are an extension of the home.

We love this quote….

“Trees and Plants always look like the people they live with, somehow” – Zora Neale Hurston

That got us thinking, what does our outdoor space say about us? Here are some simple tips for sprucing up those spaces and some images to get you inspired to get back to those roots and garden!

First, choose your space and what it is going to be used for.

Are you more of a formal garden type person?

Do you want your backyard to be the perfect place for a Saturday Afternoon nap?

How about a relaxing place to entertain friends?

Whatever it may be, picking the right landscape and quality materials will help you achieve your goal with lasting results.

Choosing the right plants for your outdoor space can be an overwhelming thought. There are so many beautiful options how does one decide? Think back to the kind of space you are after, and choose plants that fit that space. Just make the landscape what works for you.

Choosing higher quality furnishings is also key to enjoying your outdoor space for a long time. The higher the quality the less maintenance you will have and the more time you will spend enjoying your hard work. Remember this when choosing your furniture, rugs, fabric, and even your landscape materials.

Finally, make it special, unique, interesting. Adding that exciting element to any outdoor space will make it over the top.

Maybe tuck a mirror in your garden somewhere!

How about an unexpected place to have your morning coffee?

Or a place to curl up by the fire!

We will be spending this weekend outside, in our own little special places, getting back to those roots. How about you?

Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.

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The Proof is in the Pudding!

ark_admin — Tue, 20 May 2014 09:01:07 +0000

The entertaining story in our May issue is a graduation party, and it features lots of tasty sweets and treats. Among them is this recipe for banana pudding by designer Mara Malcom; it’s a light and lovely dessert for your upcoming summer celebrations!

Ingredients:

2 bags of pretty butter cookies (Mara’s favorite is Pepperidge Farm Chessmen)

8 bananas, sliced

2 cups half & half

1 5oz box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 8oz package cream cheese, softened

1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk

a nice size bowl (16oz or so) of REAL whipped cream (The added taste and texture is worth the extra work! Simply beat/whisk heavy cream and sugar to taste till peaks form)

Steps:

Line the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2 dish with half the cookies.

Mix the half and half with the pudding mix using a handheld electric mixer until it’s smooth.

In another bowl, combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk using a mixer until it’s smooth.

Combine the pudding and cream cheese mixtures and stir until they are well-blended.

Pour the mixture over the cookies and refrigerate.

Spoon into champagne/sherbet stems, garnish with fresh berries and additional butter cookies.

To see the whole entertaining feature, visit the online article or pick up a copy of the May issue on newsstands!

The post The Proof is in the Pudding! appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: The Dish on Blue & White

ark_admin — Mon, 19 May 2014 07:50:50 +0000

Little Rock’s Ashli Ahrens dishes about her love of classic blue-and-white porcelain china and dinnerware in our May issue. After high school she purchased her first piece in England, Arkansas, and it all started from there. Her collection grew over the years from inheriting family pieces, which makes it all the more special. In the past she has displayed her collection in china hutches and hanging on the walls, but they also love to use them to serve dinner. Do you have collections that have inspired the color palettes in your home? Learn more about her collection and read the full story online here or you can find a copy of the May issue on newsstands.

{paint colors: honorable blue; twilight blue; summer blue; delicate white}

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Friday Favorites 5.16.14

ark_admin — Fri, 16 May 2014 08:21:24 +0000

This week’s staff picks for things to see, do, make, and savor:

From Blythe Cate, our Graphic Designer: “This recipe contains three of my favorite things: blueberries, mint and bourbon. What’s not to love? You can bet I’ll be making these this weekend!” {“Blueberry Bourbon Cooler with Fresh Mint” from Climbing Grier Mountain}

From Tiffany Adams, our Managing Editor: “One woman + one paint sprayer + a little creative rearranging = an amazingly cute garden shed. I wonder if I could pull this off with my backyard shed?” {“The Shed: Paint it Black” from The Hunted Interior}

From Kelly Fraiser, our Publisher: “Lindsey Binz’ blog post this week got me thinking all about garage organization, and this post from the Closet Factory blog really helped me make a plan.” {“Know the Best Storage Locations in Your Garage” from Closet Factory Arkansas’ blog}

From Ashley Gill, our Online Content Editor: “I’m a total sucker for paint effects, and this bench by Ercol strikes some kind of perfect balance between its vintage farmhouse silhouette and the whimsical ombre finish.” {image shared by The World of Interiors on their Facebook page}

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Room of the Week: A Grand Send Off

ark_admin — Thu, 15 May 2014 08:37:35 +0000

glasses | decorative bowl | pillow | pie stand | party straws

May is an exciting month for families as the end of the school year approaches and seniors prepare for graduation. Our May issue’s entertaining feature honors soon-to-be high school graduates. Little Rock designer Mara Malcolm, who works alongside her mother Retha Lamb, created a sophisticated graduation dinner for a group of Pulaski Academy seniors. “I wanted the table and the party décor to reflect how valued the kids are and how special they are. That’s why I went the extra mile and it was a little more formal than probably what they are used to,” says Malcolm. Malcolm strayed from their school colors and used rich purples that give an air of formality, but are balanced with plenty of fun elements for the group of graduates. Get the details in the full story online here or find a copy of the May issue on newsstands now.

The post Room of the Week: A Grand Send Off appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Lindsey Binz Offers Garage Organization Guidance

ark_admin — Wed, 14 May 2014 13:21:48 +0000

For all of those who know me personally and have been to my house, then you must know this post is a:

I do have plans to someday get the garage neat and organized so I have lots of pins that are good examples of tidy garages.

Spring is a great time to start a project like this- whether you are listing your home for sale or not.

It’s nice to have all of your things in easy to reach/use manner.

A well thought out plan is something that will help you stay focused.

(that might be what I am lacking)

After the plan, the most effective way to organize a garage is to next, empty it out…

I know that sounds awful, but really, it will help you visualize how the layout will work without all of the clutter in your way.

While everything is out in the driveway, you can paint, hang your pegboard and install all of your vertical hooks, etc… Or have someone else do that part! Click pic below for

positivelysplendid

You will need to start piles for keep, trash and donate- the same as you would for closet cleaning.

Sort into categories: large tools (summer and winter); garden tools; lawn equipment; sports equipment; workshop tools; bikes, kids toys, etc…

Click link below for some ideas for the stuff you don’t want, but can’t throw away.

livingasunshinelife

After you have pared down (hopefully alot), you can start bringing everything back in and organizing. Work in sections so you don’t get overwhelmed.

For 49-brilliant-garage-organization-ideas-tips-and-diy-projects click on the link below.

diyncrafts

After all of your hard work, you can sit back and enjoy your organized garage.

You will be amazed at how much time you will save

not having to dig through all of your stuff every time you need something.

Or in my case, just walking to the door from the car!!!

Better Homes and Gardens

And Maybe you will even have room for a car…or three!!!

Good luck, and happy organizing!

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company, a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s). If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too! Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

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Outside the Box with D. Keeley: May Update

ark_admin — Wed, 14 May 2014 08:01:00 +0000

Whew…it has been an exciting month at the Live Outside the Box House! In addition to the regular hustle and bustle of spring, we hosted three events: a VIP client party and two home and garden tours. Needless to say, we have been extra busy making sure everything was in tip top shape, and I am happy to report that everything has gone off without a hitch.

In the garden, this first year’s tulips were spectacular. I chose a blend of 3 different white varieties that bloomed at slightly different times. This provided the maximum amount of bloom time, and the tulips lasted at least a month.

The dogwoods in the front garden were also beautiful and were kind enough to hang around for all of the special events we had over the past month!

Near the front door, the giant urns received their seasonal plantings, as well. I decided to anchor the urns with a central boxwood topiary. The triple standard forms give dramatic height to the arrangements and also a bit of added formality. They are under-planted with a simple mix of white scaevola and asparagus fern…one of my all-time favorite mixtures.

Around the corner the perennial garden is filling in nicely, despite the fact that all the butterfly bushes died back to the ground during the harsh winter storms we experienced.

Also, as you can see, there is a new addition to the garden…a fountain! I have always wanted a fountain in this location and have been counting the days until it could be installed this spring. It is a wonderful, geometric vessel I commissioned from concrete artist, Jason Pledger of Forever Designs, LLC in Fayetteville. I am so excited to have it in and am enjoying the splashing sounds of the water as they waft throughout the garden and into the house!

The most exciting aspect of the past month, however, was all the wonderful visitors who came to share in the garden and outdoor living spaces. As I mentioned, we had several groups come by, including some lovely ladies from the Little Rock Garden Club. They were in town to visit several gardens, and it was an honor and a thrill to have lunch with them at the house. Even though the morning started off looking a bit stormy, the clouds parted just in time, and it was a beautiful and fun-filled visit!

We also had a garden party for our VIP clients this month, which was a huge success. Here is a centerpiece I made for one of the food tables that was super easy to do. I just cut succulents (echeveria) and placed them strategically on a pile of sandblasted grapevine…simple as that! I love the sculptural simplicity of the arrangement, and the succulents have already lasted a month with no care. My plan is to start misting them to extend the arrangement even longer.

In the kitchen garden, the Arkansas-native Cynthiana grapevines we planted last fall are leafing out vigorously. As they mature, we will trim and train them to grow all along the fence in the garden, and I can’t wait until they are laden with gorgeous, plump fruit!

And, as promised…here is your Nourishmat veggie garden update: I am happy to report that all the seeds seem to have germinated and should soon be yielding their delicious bounty!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: May Update appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

One on One: Bill Beringer

ark_admin — Tue, 13 May 2014 09:24:48 +0000

At Home in Arkansas: What are your 3 must have items for this year? Bill Beringer: Hand painted wall covering. Satin Nickel hardware. Gray, white and black marble mosaic flooring.

AHIA: What is your favorite paint color at the moment? Bill Beringer: Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige. It makes a beautiful background for artwork and furnishings.

AHIA: What is the last thing you purchased for a client? Bill Beringer: A vintage Louis XVI Style Stainless Steel and Brass Bureau Plat.

AHIA: Is there a design trend or product you are dying to try or purchase for a client? Bill Beringer: Whole home technology integration. It is amazingly easy to use!

AHIA: What is one design secret you can share with our readers? Bill Beringer: Just remember to mix antiques or vintage with newer pieces to give your home the sought-after collected look.

Thank you, Bill!

To see an example of Bill Beringer’s work by checking out a project of his in our May issue.

[Bill Beringer’s portrait by Nancy Nolan]

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One on One: Bill Beringer

ark_admin — Tue, 13 May 2014 08:08:41 +0000

The post One on One: Bill Beringer appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Color Cues

ark_admin — Mon, 12 May 2014 08:09:58 +0000

Fayetteville designer Katie Henry of Katie Grace Designs collaborated on this color-infusing makeover of Companions Clothier owner Pamela Rees’ Little Rock home. The result? A bright and happy space that matches the homeowner’s jubilant personality. From the foyer (seen above), there is also a view of the living room and breakfast nook, so the design had to flow with the connecting spaces. Henry started with a lighter version of the home’s palette, which was a fresh coat of Sherwin-William’s Navajo White. A heavy ironwork console and coordinating sconces were replaced with a retro gray entry piece, gold Greek-key style lamps, and original artwork by Arkansas artist Amanda Kella. Find the before photo and read the full story online here or you can find a copy of the May issue on newsstands.

{paint colors: samovar silver; navajo white; teal tone; dorset cream}

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Room of the Week: The Next Chapter

ark_admin — Fri, 09 May 2014 08:32:48 +0000

antlers | dinner plates | bar stool | faucet | shelving rack

This fully remodeled kitchen is taking center stage this week for our “Room of the Week” feature. The historic Fayetteville home, designed by Dale Trice out of Florida, underwent an full interior and exterior renovation. Homeowner Bill Hardin had always admired the home, so he knocked on the door and was able to learn the full history, even get the original blueprints and soon he was moving in. For the small kitchen they replaced the dated cabinets with a free standing shelf and a stainless steel island. These features along with subway tile walls give the new kitchen a spare, industrial feel. A huge difference from the “before” photo! Find more before photos of the rest of the home and read the full story online here or find a copy of the new May issue on newsstands now.

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Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Do You Dream in Color?

ark_admin — Wed, 07 May 2014 08:01:29 +0000

If you love pure color, waves of vibrant or cool hues, bright patches, rows, and that pop of excitement in the garden, then what you’re really looking to do is plant blooming annuals. People sometimes get the terms ‘annual’ and ‘perennial’ confused, so think of them like this: Perennials stay throughout the seasons, yet make a controlled show only once a year, usually lasting a month or less. Think hydrangeas and cherry trees. But annuals, due to their short life spans–usually less than a year–provide a sustained garden color. They’ve been bred to bloom continuously, so they’re what you want to plant when you want nothing but unrelenting color. Think flowerbed borders, containers, areas you want to highlight. Here are some of my picks for show and resilience in the summer heat:

Torenia is about as cheery as it gets and is wonderful because it spreads and takes a bit of shade. It’s hard to find a reliable blue bloomer that will provide color in shade, so keep this one in mind. It’s also good for borders because it only gets six-eight inches tall and, since it spreads, can be a nice break between your annuals and the taller, rangier perennials behind.

Petunias, because of their range in color, are an annual that people return to time after time. The problem with them, however, has been simple; they won’t take the heat of southern summers, and they play out. But here’s a new one, which is not the upright old-fashioned petunia, or even part of the Wave series of the last few years. Try the Supertunia for vigorous growth and constant bloom. Great spilling out of pots (think “cram it and shove it” as I share with all of the groups I speak to!) or at the edge of your planting, it withstands the elements, and won‘t sulk and quit blooming in the heat. Bubblegum, a light pink, is the strongest of the varieties I’ve found.

But here’s a new one, which is not the upright old-fashioned petunia, or even part of the Wave series of the last few years. Try the Supertunia for vigorous growth and constant bloom. Great spilling out of pots (think “cram it and shove it” as I share with all of the groups I speak to!) or at the edge of your planting, it withstands the elements, and won‘t sulk and quit blooming in the heat. Bubblegum, a light pink, is the strongest of the varieties I’ve found.

For every space, every need, every growth condition, there’s the Big Series Begonia. These are not your grandmother’s begonias. Like their name says, they’re outsized and literally leap out of plantings. Uniform, solid, and happy, they come in green leaf and bronze leaf varieties. The green leaf will tolerate a bit of shade, and both have red, pink or white blooms that will continue all season, right up to frost. Easy to grow and unbeatable, their blooms are like happy jewels!

Angelonia, sometimes called ’summer snapdragon,’ is quite the regal beauty, but one that flourishes in the heat. At about 18 inches, it presides over the garden with its upright growth habit, coming in shades of white to pink to lavender to violet. The flower heads never turn brown, and the serene bloom is unstinting until the very end of warm weather.

This is the perfect time of year to get the best selection available at your local garden center. Don’t’ wait too long; you want to plant your seasonal color now before the heat sets in. I suggest you bring photos of your flower beds and your garden experts will be able to help you out even more! The real key to success with your annual garden is two-fold; garden soil prep and reliable watering.

Amending and loosening the soil is key to maintaining constant bloom with annuals because of their shallow root systems and constant energy burning. It takes a lot of work to provide bloom that extends over an entire four-month season, so they’ll respond to your care.

Prepare your soil by turning it over, and mixing in amendment each time you plant. Then add a slow-release fertilizer that your annuals can rely upon for several months. And, on top of these steps, fertilize every three to four weeks with Miracle-Gro, or something comparable with the word ‘bloom‘ in the title. With this kind of care, I guarantee you’ll see a 40 percent improvement in growth and bloom cover. And don’t forget to water. Make watering as much a part of your summer schedule as barbecuing and trips to the lake. Giving them regular water and feeding will mean they’ll never cease their performance, and you’ll always find joy in their color and energy.

Remember to always think outside of the box and try to out do what you did last year!

Live life to the fullest!!

–Chris

The post Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Do You Dream in Color? appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

From Our Pages: Focus on Florals

ark_admin — Tue, 06 May 2014 15:18:48 +0000

In our May issue, you explored this lovely renovated home with a spectacular view of the Arkansas River. Today we’re taking you on the floral tour, a special look at the simple and elegant arrangements created by the floral designers at About Vase that make each room of this house feel so inviting.

In the foyer, cherry blossoms greet guests.

On the dining room table sits a pave of green Trachelium dainthus in a silver-footed boat.

Citrus Phalanenopsis amabilis orchids in the great room

Showstopping parallel arrangement of blue agapanthus in a collar of green Trachelium dianthus

Blue hyacinth

Lavender scabiosa

‘Free Spirit’ roses

Blue tweedia

See more of this home by clicking HERE. Learn more about About Vase’s services by visiting their website.

Interior Designer: Bill Beringer | Photography: Nancy Nolan

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(More) Gifts for Mom

ark_admin — Tue, 06 May 2014 19:59:00 +0000

In the May issue, we offered some inspiration for your Mother’s Day shopping (click to read). But if you are still searching for just the right thing to make the moms in your life feel loved and appreciated on Sunday, here are some more ideas.

Mom loves to cook: Floral print apron and floral tea towels, Eggshells Kitchen Co., Little Rock, (501) 664-6900, eggshellskitchencompany.com; Serka sculpture Vivid Designs, Little Rock, (501) 225-3828

Mom loves to read and write: Notepad, quill pen, and “Hooray” tote, Box Turtle, Little Rock, (501) 661-1167, shopboxturtle.com; Return address stamp, The Social Type, Little Rock, (501) 661-9929, thesocialtypelr.com

Mom loves the sparkle and shine: Black vegan leather clutch, Indigo, Little Rock, (501) 821-2808, shopindigo.com; Bond No. 9 Astor Place fragrance, Powder & Smoke, Little Rock, (501) 225-5353, powderandsmoke.com; Geometric bowl and vase in brass and teal, Bear-Hill Interiors, Little Rock, (501) 907-9272, bearhillinteriors.com

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Color Coordinated: Gifts for Mom

ark_admin — Mon, 05 May 2014 08:02:24 +0000

Happy Monday! Mother’s Day is next Sunday, May 11th, and in our new May issue, we’ve gathered ideas for you to treat all the moms in your life. Our “Style” section rounds up beautiful florals, which are our color inspiration today, along with lots of other gifts from jewelry to cookware. Tipton Hurst designed bold floral arrangements of pink tulips and red roses that will definitely brighten her day. And, don’t miss Cupcakes on Kavanaugh‘s yummy treats too! Read the full story online here or you can find a copy of the May issue on newsstands.

{paint color links: exuberant pink; classic red; ice mist; lemon grass}

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Friday Favorites: 5.2.14

ark_admin — Fri, 02 May 2014 14:05:18 +0000

From Emilie Head, Account Executive: “These gorgeous yellow Layla Grace pillows just scream Spring! What a perfect way to brighten up a room for the new season!” [available at Layla Grace]

From Mandy Keener, our Art Director: “This. I. Love. This. The mix of metallics and the wood slatted walls & ceilings. Gives me a inspiration on what to do with my silver cow skull with one gold tooth!” [from artist Owen Mortensen]

From Blythe Cate, Graphic Designer: “Fresh flowers always add cheer to a home, and this arrangement is simply darling and refreshing! I love the vintage containers, too.” [from Camille Styles “10 Best Spring Floral Arrangements“]

From Ashley Gill, Online Content Editor: “I like this clean and contemporary spin on windchimes. I think this piece would look great alongside some chunky, old-fashioned, wooden ones.” [from Ladies and Gentlemen Studio first spotted on Anthologymag.com]

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Mark Your Calendar! Quapaw Quarter Association’s Spring Tour of Homes

ark_admin — Fri, 02 May 2014 08:55:15 +0000

On Mother’s Day weekend (May 10-11), the Quapaw Quarter Association of Little Rock is hosting its 50th Spring Tour of Homes in the Governor’s Mansion district, downtown. First Lady, Ginger Bebe will chair the event along with P. Allen Smith. The tour will include five homes, all of which date from the early 1880s to the 1930s and represent a variety of architectural and interior design styles. And, today, we are excited to bring you a sneak peek of three of the homes on the tour! We’re hoping you’ll want to attend some or all of the tour events (listed below) so that you can see more of these lovely homes. Here’s just a taste of what we saw:

First, we visited the Old Methodist Parsonage. It is a two-story brick house, built in 1927 to serve as the parsonage for the First United Methodist Church. It was designed by a prominent Little Rock architect, John Parks Almond, and built by George Burden, the contractor who also built the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs. The home was construced in the Neoclassical Georgian style, with a symmetrical facade and a low-hipped roof and Palladian columns flanking the front door.

We met the current resident, Mrs. Harstein, whose collection of cake plates we found on display in her elegant dining room.

Charming dollhouses are located throughout the home, each painstakingly furnished and decorated with lifelike detail.

The garden area will be a gathering place for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during the tour, weather permitting.

Next, we toured the Turner-Back House, constructed in 1884-5 for realtor W. J. Turner. It was originally designed as a rambling, red-brick Queen Anne residence by Thomas Harding Jr and was one of the first architect-designed homes in the neighborhood. The home was extensively remodeled by the Back family in the then-popular Craftsman style around 1920. The house remained in the Back family until the 1940s, when it was converted into apartments. During the mid-1990s the home underwent a major rehabilitation project, which returned it to single-family use. The Wittenburgs were kind enough to show us around.

Finally, we visited The Pierce House, which was built in 1881 as the home of the Right Reverend Henry Niles Pierce, founder of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral of Little Rock. It’s one of the oldest homes still standing the Governor’s Mansion Historic District. Its structure is a simple version of the Italianate style with characteristic bracketed eaves. A Colonial Revival-style wraparound porch was added near the turn of the century. Homeowner Katie Kirkpatrick Choate showed us around the home.

We were very impressed by the vitality and variety we saw on the tour. And there was so much more we wanted to show you of these fabulous historical homes, but you’ll have to see it all for yourself!

To learn more about the Spring Tour of Homes events CLICK HERE.

Here’s an outline of the weekend schedule of events:

Saturday, May 10

5:30 – 7:30, Candlelight and Champagne Tour of Homes surrounding the Governor’s Mansion

Enjoy a leisurely stroll in this historic neighborhood with champagne, wine, and hors d’oeuvres while touring our featured homes.

7:30– 9:30, Dinner & Party at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion

Join us at the Governor’s Mansion for dinner and drinks with honorary co-chairs P. Allen Smith and First Lady Ginger Beebe.

9:30 onwards, The After Party at South on Main Restaurant, 1304 South Main Street

Help the QQA celebrate five decades of preservation work at a late-night party at South on Main with Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers.

Saturday night tickets are also valid for Sunday afternoon tour.

Sunday, May 11

11:00-1:00, Brunch and Garden Tour at Curran Hall, 615 East Capitol Avenue

Start your Mother’s Day festivities at Historic Curran Hall with a casual brunch buffet and mimosa bar and tour the Marjem Ward Jackson Historic Garden.

1:00-5:00, Spring Tour of Homes, Governor’s Mansion Historic District

50th Spring Tour of Homes with lawn games, kid friendly activities, live music, food vendors, trolley rides, and more!

Ticket proceeds benefit the historic preservation programs of the QQA.

The post Mark Your Calendar! Quapaw Quarter Association’s Spring Tour of Homes appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Serene in the City

ark_admin — Thu, 01 May 2014 08:16:14 +0000

solid outdoor pillow | patterned outdoor pillow | sofa | lanterns | coffee table

We’re kicking off this month with our all-new May “Before & After” issue. It’s packed full of fresh ideas for every room in your home, including a few outdoor spaces. We’re all ready to entertain al fresco, right? This Little Rock home renovation included a team who transformed it to fit the homeowners needs perfectly, including architect Tom Fennell and designer Bill Beringer. After hearing the couple’s needs, Fennell decided to enlarge the back of the house by more than twenty feet, which also allowed for this spacious new covered deck. Accessible from the great room and kitchen, it’s furnished with comfortable pieces in the same neutral palette as the home’s interior. Find lots of before photos and read more about this full renovation online here or grab a copy of the new May issue on newsstands.

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Color Coordinated: Family Style

ark_admin — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 10:57:49 +0000

Today’s color cues come from this Southwestern-meets-Tuscan style kitchen seen in our April issue. This before and after transformation was designed by Kathryn LeMaster of Kathryn J. LeMaster Art & Design. Homeowners Jessica and Clay Barber are parents to five boys and needed to completely rethink their kitchen space. By removing a divisive dining peninsula, adding banquette window seating and removing some upper cabinets, she was able to improve traffic flow and balance out the space. LeMaster also introduced an airy color palette to help create the illusion of a more spacious room. She carefully selected materials, such as chestnut hardwood floors, distressed mango-wood breakfast table, bronze hardware, understated travertine herringbone-pattern backsplash and earth-toned granite countertops, along with turquoise and orange accents, which all add to the Southwestern flair in this traditional space. Be sure to read the full story online here.

{paint colors: aquarium; barista; featherstone; invigorate}

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“One Man’s Folly” Book Giveaway!

ark_admin — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 12:02:25 +0000

You noticed in this month’s issue of the magazine that we mentioned how excited we are for the release of Julia Reed’s new book, “One Man’s Folly: The Exceptional Houses of Furlow Gatewood.”

Well, the kind folks at Rizzoli sent us a copy of the book and it’s gorgeous: Look!

If you’d like to add this handsome book to your home library, enter to win by “Liking” our Facebook page and leaving a comment below to let us know that you have done so. Best of luck to all!

p.s. Also, remember that Paula Deen is coming to Hank’s Fine Furniture in Little Rock this Saturday, April 26th! Everyone who brings an item to donate to the local women’s shelter, Women & Children First: The Center Against Domestic Violence, will receive a complimentary issue of Cooking with Paula Deen for Paula to sign. There will also be MANY other great giveaways, so save the date! http://www.hanksfurniture.com/paula-deen

And–based on our random number generator–the winner is: Sheryl Hutchins King! Congrats. Contact us at 501-666-5510 or email agill@athomearkansas.com to make arrangements to receive your book.

The post “One Man’s Folly” Book Giveaway! appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Arkansas in the Making: Cutting Edge Glass

ark_admin — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 08:14:25 +0000

At Home in Arkansas: Define your personal style in six words. Cutting Edge Glass: Taking an expectation and tweaking it.

AHIA: What color could you not live without? CEG: I could not live without red in all of its different shades and varieties!

AHIA: Tell us a history or evolution of your current work. CEG: I create stained glass windows because I can’t get enough of the way light is affected when it goes through different colors of glass: it is an obsession! I started with a BA in Art and took a college elective in Stained Glass. I was hooked instantly and went home and started making windows. I was fortunate and got a job right out of college at a local stained glass studio. I worked there full time as an artist for over six years. After I had children and moved to Arkansas, my husband encouraged me to start creating windows on commission again in 2008. Cutting Edge Glass(CEG) was started at the end of 2008 on the back porch of our house. CEG purchased an existing studio in Springdale in 2010 and started operating a retail location from that point on. CEG moved to a new location in January of this year. CEG has had the pleasure of creating windows for the Walmart Visitor’s Center, Circle Of Life Hospice, Highlands Oncology Group, St Elizabeth Seton High School in Baltimore, MD and several churches in the state.

AHIA: What is your ultimate goal for your brand? CEG: My dream is that decorative glass be utilized in everyone’s home in different ways. Sure, there is the traditional look, but there are also many other clean, crisp and light ways to use it. CEG would like to manufacture its own glass in the future, to one day manufacture the glass we need to create the stained glass windows we build.

AHIA: What’s your go-to for a quick burst of inspiration? CEG: My go to for a burst of inspiration is to look at fabric! There are so many great designs in fabric; I love to take parts of those patterns and put them into a window.

AHIA: Which of your tools is most important for your work? CEG: My most important tools are my glass cutter and my engineer husband, who joined CEG full time in 2011. A glass cutter is an amazing tool. Glass isn’t really cut with a cutter; it is scored and then it breaks along the score line. I know the science behind it, but it still amazes me what we can do with glass!

AHIA: What do you want your customers to know about you and your work? CEG: I would love my clients to know how accessible stained glass is. There are options for beautiful glass in every budget! I would also love people to know that stained glass windows can be sealed with clear glass on both sides to protect and preserve the window. This technology has been around for decades, and it seems that it isn’t utilized in Arkansas very much in the stained glass industry.

AHIA: Within your field of work, who is your greatest inspiration? CEG: My greatest inspiration is Louis C. Tiffany, of course! He did so many amazing things in his lifetime; his lamps are gorgeous, but his windows are breathtaking! He created the glass he used in his windows and pioneered so many different ways to use glass. I also love Escher and his work with patterns and geometry. I love how he takes an image and then tweaks it, sometimes it is subtle so it draws you in to the work to find the tweak. The depth that both of these artists explore keeps me intrigued and inspires me to keep discovering what can be done with stained glass.

Thank you, Beth!

Find Cutting Edge Glass: WEB/FACEBOOK

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High Point Market Instagram Roundup, Part Three

ark_admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 13:53:57 +0000

April 5-10 was spring High Point Market, and a number of Arkansas designers and manufacturers were on the scene sharing with us all of their favorite finds via Instagram. We’re offering you a multi-part roundup of the items and trends they spotted.

Today’s installment? Vignettes of console tables, desks, and chests.

Top (L to R): Emporium Home, spotted by @bethdavisint; Worlds Away, spotted by @harperhoweyinteriors Middle: Oly, spotted by @harperhoweyinteriors; Hickory Chair, spotted by @cobblestoneandvine; Mr. Brown, spotted by @harperhoweyinteriors Bottom: (L to R): Hickory Chair, spotted by @cobblestoneandvine; Mr. Brown, spotted by @kevinbearhill

Many thanks to Harper Howey (Harper Howey Interiors), Cobblestone & Vine, Kevin Walsh (Bear Hill Interiors), Beth Davis (of Beth Davis Interiors), Ashley Childers (of Emporium Home), Johnna Dobbs (of Mastercraft International), Tobi Fairley and Cheminne Taylor-Smith (of Tobi Fairley & Associates), and Katie Henry (of Katie Grace Designs) for sharing these images with us! More #HPMKT inspiration from these and more Arkansas design industry experts to come.

The post High Point Market Instagram Roundup, Part Three appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Creating a Legacy

ark_admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 08:23:18 +0000

lamp | mirrored desk | art

University of Arkansas Delta Delta Delta alumna and interior designer Melissa Haynes was thrilled with the challenge of remodeling her historic sorority house. Haynes of MH Design infused the house with her signature sophisticated look. In one of the living rooms, she added a modern watercolor to contrast with the more traditional elements of the room. She used a remnant of a vinyl-coated fabric with a punchy confetti pattern to cover a stool from Hickory Chair. The sisal-look rug is manufactured for outdoor use, making it extra-durable. “The redecoration was made possible by a gift to the chapter, and we wanted to do everything we could to make the best use of that investment,” says Haynes. “The house was already filled with beautiful pieces of furniture, artwork, chandeliers and accessories. With this gift we were able to incorporate those meaningful pieces into a fresh new decor scheme and dramatically change the look and feel of the house,” she adds. Read more online here or find a copy of the April issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Creating a Legacy appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Master Bath Daydreams

ark_admin — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:46:40 +0000

The first step of any major remodel is demo, right? Wrong. So, so very wrong, my friend. Tear into a space with a sledge hammer, without a plan in sight, and you’ll be left scratching your head trying to decide how to put everything back together again. Trust me. I’ve been there and done that. Take a page out of my book and listen when I tell you that the planning and prep work is always the first—and most important—step. Scour through inspiration pics, decide what finishes you like for your space, and double make sure they work for your budget. Once the timeline and finances are in place, then it’s time to get to work.

Geez, Cara. What’s happening in your construction site that brings out such finger wagging?

Master bath reno planning, that’s what. On the to-do list for this year is to make our currently dated 1960s master bath a showpiece, but while we have lots of other around-the-house fish to fry first, now is the perfect time to start prepping for the remodel ahead.

Before we jump into the inspiration photos for our bathroom remodel, let’s get to know the before pictures a bit better. Meet our master bath.

Oh yeah, baby. This is a room full of 1960s glory. Dated tile, formica counters, wood paneling and a baby blue toilet. Classic and terrifying.

Obviously, the finishes and fixtures in my master bath make it super easy to drool over similarly sized spaces that have received their long overdue facelift. Let’s check out a few pretties that are inspiring plans for our bathroom, shall we?

Inspiration Bathroom #1

Light tile, rain shower head, white vanity, glass shower doors. All of the elements in this room maximize every square inch of space. This compact bathroom was designed with the tidy exhibitionist in mind and I love every second of it.

Inspiration Bathroom #2

Lots to love about this space. The half wall gives a smidge more privacy than the glass doors of the first bath and by running the tile all the way to the ceiling, the room feels so much taller. I’m a big fan of an open vanity + vessel sink combo (as evidenced by the master bath remodel in my first house) and the extra storage below is a plus. The light colors and oversized mirror work wonders in reflecting light and making the space feel much larger than it actually is. This is heaven.

Tough decisions ahead but—holy moly—it sure is fun to day dream. I’ll keep you in the loops as we inch our way closer to kicking off this remodel but until then, there is lots more rehabbing fun hiding up my sleeve.

Cara Wilkerson is a real estate broker and a devoted do-it-yourself-er. She writes about her home transformations on her blog, Live the Home Life.

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Color Coordinated: The Heritage House

ark_admin — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 08:19:50 +0000

Barbi and Nolan Rushing’s beautiful antique-filled countryside estate can be found in our April issue and the outdoors are equally enchanting. Our color inspiration comes from the beautiful ‘Peggy Martin’ roses that frame their patio seating area. These roses are named after a New Orleans Garden Club member who discovered this variety and was the only one at her home that survived Hurricane Katrina. “I grew up in the Heights, but I have always loved gardening and we had a longing to move outside the city,” says Barbi. The home’s garden features more than 200 rose bushes, including many David Austin roses. ‘Old Blush’ rose bushes are abundant on the property. This is the setting the couple has dreamed of inhabiting for years. Be sure to read the full story online here or find a copy of our April issue on newsstands.

{paint colors: gypsy rose; mountain air; blue booties; grassy fields}

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Room of the Week: Family Style

ark_admin — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 08:27:19 +0000

dinnerware | chandelier | dining chair | pillow

Jessica and Clay Barber turned to Kathryn LeMaster of Kathryn J. LeMaster Art & Design when they decided to tackle their extensive kitchen remodel project. LeMaster gave the family a full-fledge lifestyle transformation by creating a kitchen with defined spaces for everything. One of which being the removal of a divisive dining peninsula and in its place she added banquette window seating. This kitchen includes hints of a Southwestern-meets-Tuscan flair, so a distressed table was a perfect fit…especially with five boys! Now, they have an open and airy new kitchen that’s just their style. “A fail-safe, transitional look will stay relevant for years to come,” says LeMaster. Read more here to see all the before and after images or find a copy of the April issue on newsstands.

The post Room of the Week: Family Style appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

High Point Market Instagram Roundup, Part Two

ark_admin — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 13:24:02 +0000

Today’s installment? Fabulous lighting finds. Just look at all of the purple, the agate, and the brass (swoon!).

Top (L to R): Ro Sham Beaux, spotted by @johnnasdobbs; Ro Sham Beaux, spotted by @kevinbearhill Middle: Aerin Lauder for Visual Comfort spotted by @kevinbearhill; Emporium Home, spotted by @emporiumhome; Thomas O’Brien for Visual Comfort, spotted by @katiegracedesigns Bottom: (L to R): Louise Gaskill, spotted by @bethdavisint; Couture Lamps, spotted by @johnnasdobbs

In the next installment of the HIgh Point Market Roundup…Eye-Catching Vignettes!

Many thanks to Kevin Walsh (Bear Hill Interiors), Beth Davis (of Beth Davis Interiors), Ashley Childers (of Emporium Home), Johnna Dobbs (of Mastercraft International), Tobi Fairley and Cheminne Taylor-Smith (of Tobi Fairley & Associates), and Katie Henry (of Katie Grace Designs) for sharing these images with us! More #HPMKT inspiration from these and more Arkansas design industry experts to come.

The post High Point Market Instagram Roundup, Part Two appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Antiques & Vintage with Providence Ltd.: European-Style Home Built With Character

ark_admin — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 08:39:58 +0000

We enjoy every project that we work on. We truly do. But every once in a while we get the opportunity to really push the limits and stretch both ourselves and the client. The Bottin home located in the Sologne Subdivision in Chenal Valley, Little Rock was that kind of project…

We began with Parkinson Building Group from the earliest planning stages and our clients all the way through to the last interior decorating detail for this house. Things didn’t just happen…almost every single element has a story behind it. None of us were ever satisfied with anything the way it was. We re-finished, re-furbished and re-vamped anything and everything to achieve the end result that we all desired.

Fabulous old doors were cleaned up and now grace the interiors…

If we couldn’t find what we needed we had it made…

We planned for sconces to be mounted on the rock wall between the kitchen and family room…When we held them up to determine the height for installation they were just too dinky…but a light bulb went off… we raced to our warehouse to dig up a pair of old lanterns that had been there for quite some time. With shaking arms sister held them up for me to take a picture to send to our client who was out of town…She loved them! They are just one of many outstanding features in this fabulous home.

We searched everywhere…and even in the rain for the perfect architecturals, lighting and furnishings.

This beautiful piece of iron is now a unique fire screen for the outdoor fireplace…

A beautiful painted French sideboard was found for the dining room…

A beautiful bleached oak cabinet boasts tons of additional storage in the kitchen…

This is a very special piece above the mantel in the Music Room…

These images are just a tease…today is the day of the magazine photo shoot! We will be working with Chip and his awesome team capturing the entire story of this home that was nearly two years in the making. A real labor of love. We didn’t even know the Bottins when we started this process and now we count them among our dearest friends. You don’t want to miss the June issue of At Home in Arkansas. This beautiful home oozing with comfort and character will finally be revealed.

It’s your turn. Let’s talk!

Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.

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One-on-One: Chris Goddard

ark_admin — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:09:57 +0000

At Home in Arkansas: What are your three must-have items for the new year? Chris Goddard: Cerused Oak in any color, leathered stone and rock crystal or any other natural stone element

AHIA: What is your favorite paint color at the moment? CG: Sherwin-Williams’ Edgy Gold (SW6409) paired with F. Schumacher’s Zimba wallcovering in chartreuse

AHIA: What is the last thing you purchased for a client? CG: Amazing tiles from Exquisite Surfaces’ Medina Collection. We are obsessed with all the amazing tiles out there and unique applications.

AHIA: Is there a design trend or product you are dying to try or purchase for a client in 2014? CG: The return of color!! We just used China Seas Sigourney wallpaper in yellow for a clients bath, great scale and color.

AHIA: What is one design secret you can share with our readers? CG: Collect something, a collection injects your personality into a space and opens conversation. Personally, I love collecting antique murano glass and everything tortoise shell.

Thanks, Chris!

Chris Goddard is the principal designer of Goddard Design Group in Northwest Arkansas. Find Chris and Goddard Design Group online and follow along on facebook , twitter, and instagram for design inspiration, projects and to see what’s new.

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High Point Market Instagram Roundup, Part One

ark_admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 15:34:27 +0000

April 5-10 was High Point Market week, and a number of Arkansas designers and manufacturers were on the scene sharing with us all of their favorite finds via Instagram. We’re offering you a multi-part roundup of the items and trends they spotted. Today’s installment? Chairs, stools, and casegoods!

Top (L to R): Stilnovo, spotted by @kevinbearhill; Taylor Burke Home, spotted by @bethdavisint; Emporium Home by @EmporiumHome. Middle (L to R): 214 Modern Vintage, spotted by @kevinbearhill; C. R. Laine, spotted by @bethdavisint; Palecek, spotted by @katiegracedesigns. Bottom: Century Furniture, spotted by @bethdavisint.

Top (L to R): Mastercraft, spotted by @johnnasdobbs; Mr. Brown, spotted by @kevinbearhill; Lee Industries, spotted by @bearhillinteriors. Middle: Palecek, spotted by @cheminnets. Bottom: (L to R): Bernhardt, spotted by @tobifairley; Bojay, spotted by @kevinbearhill; Century, spotted by @bethdavisint.

In the next installment of the HIgh Point Market Roundup…Lighting!

The post High Point Market Instagram Roundup, Part One appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Color Coordinated: Creating a Legacy

ark_admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 08:16:24 +0000

These bold blues and yellows that grace our April issue’s cover are perfect for today’s color inspiration. The University of Arkansas’ chapter of Tri Delta enlisted an alumna to give its historic house a fresh new look. That alumna was interior designer Melissa Haynes of MH Design. She features an archival pattern by Brunschwig & Fils in the historic house’s foyer. Shades of blue, green and gold are reminiscent of Tri Delta’s national colors and helps set the palette and tone for the house’s fresh new look. “My approach was to give the house a fresh and youthful traditional style while still preserving and celebrating what is—in my mind—a true Southern sorority house,” says Haynes. Read more about this historic renovation (and its condensed timeline) online here or find a copy of our April issue on newsstands.

{paint colors: commodore; seagrove; pool party; funky yellow}

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Friday Favorites: 4.11.14

ark_admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 10:09:25 +0000

From Blythe Cate, our Graphic Designer: “I love local, healthy eats! I think it’s time for a trip to the farmer’s market so I can create some fresh spring crostini.” {“Spring Crostini Appetizer” Style Me Pretty Living}

From Kelly Fraiser, our Publisher: “My favorite thing about this week is the warmer weather, so I look forward to many nice nights spent outdoors relaxing with friends and family. This blog post from Ken Rash’s especially has me ready for outdoor living.” {“Don’t Be Afraid to Mix it Up on the Patio” Ken Rash’s blog}

From Tiffany Burgess, our Managing Editor: “I am a longtime fan of the blog Camille Styles, so I’m so excited that her book ‘Camille Styles Entertaining’ is now available for pre-order!” {“Camille Styles Entertaining: NOW ON PRE-ORDER!” camillestyles.com}

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Room of the Week: The Heritage House

ark_admin — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 08:12:37 +0000

crystal stemware | napkins | gold vases

Designer Barbi Rushing’s countryside estate just outside of Little Rock is filled with beautiful antiques. From the moment you walk through the front door, you’ll realize every piece is not only beautiful, but meaningful as well. The home was built to encompass a set of antique French trumeau doors that lead into the dining room. The bronze doré chandelier hanging over the table belonged to Barbi’s grandmother. And, the center tablecloth was made specifically for luncheons her mother hosted. Along with the family pieces handed down over the years, Barbi effortlessly mixes in pieces she has found using her own artful eye. “I have always loved antiques and beautiful pieces, and I believe all pretty things go together,” says Rushing. Read the whole story online here or find a copy of the April issue on newsstands.

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Outside the Box with D. Keeley: Planting a Vegetable Garden

ark_admin — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:02:39 +0000

Spring has sprung…thank goodness! I am so thrilled the season of rejuvination is finally here, and the garden is starting to show signs of life. The crabapple trees in the fountain garden are covered in buds, just waiting for a few more warm, sunny days until they burst open.

In the perennial garden, anemones are blooming, and irises, shasta dasies, russian sage and others are starting to leaf out.

It is also time to start planting the vegetable garden, so this past weekend that is exactly what I did. The weather was absolutely perfect here in Northwest Arkansas on Saturday, and so I soaked up some sun with a couple friends while trying out a cool new garden product I found online. It is called Nourishmat, and it is a really easy and ingenious way to plant a small vegetable garden.

First I prepared the soil in one of my raised garden beds by loosely raking it with a heavy garden rake. If you don’t have raised beds, you can just install Nourishmat on any 4’x6′ patch of bare ground in a sunny location.

Next, I rolled out the mat that is the center piece to the Nourishmat concept. It has labels that show you right where to place the seed balls that come with the mat, making it very easy to plant a successful garden, even for a novice.

Then I secured the mat to the soil using the metal pins included with the kit.

After that it was time to plant the seed balls. They are a mixture of the plant seed, clay and compost, and all you do is push it into the soil until it is buried halfway.

Finally, a quick drink of water, and VOILA! That’s it. Instant veggie garden. There is even a version of Nourishmat that includes a built-in soaker hose system for easy watering. My garden boxes are already irrigated, so I just got the regular mat, but the self-watering version would be a great choice, if you don’t have an irrigation system.

So, that’s all there is to it. I am eager to watch as the garden grows and look forward to harvesting all the tasty veggies for healthy meals this spring. Next month, I’ll be sure to update you on how the Nourishmat garden is coming along!

–Daniel

And if you would like to have Daniel Keeley give your home a curb appeal makeover, enter our contest to WIN!

The post Outside the Box with D. Keeley: Planting a Vegetable Garden appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Lindsey Binz Tackles Home Office Organization

ark_admin — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 08:11:21 +0000

It’s early April and, while a lot of people are outside playing, I am spending A LOT more time inside at my computer. You guessed it, frantically doing my NOT SO favorite task…..TAXES!!! So as I sit here going through folders and receipts and statements, I think “Hmmmmm, my office space really could use some HELP!” Is anyone else out there……..

Having an office is a wonderful addition to any home. Even while on the market, a home office can help sell a house. If it’s stylish and organized well.

etsy

More and more people are streamlining their businesses and working from home, so having a functional place to work is a priority for some and even a MUST HAVE for many home buyers today. Even just a small desk area is okay!

Lots of natural light is a must for productivity and tons of containers help to keep all of the stuff organized and neatly hidden from view.

Indulgy

If you are like me and like to work in the open. A space that is a part of another room works just fine.

Just be sure to keep it neat- that part not so much like me!

The Style Files

Speaking of neat! How cute is this idea? I am all about multi~use /RE purposed items.

BHG

A dining room table is perfect for a large work area. If you don’t have a dedicated space for an office, turn your dining room into an office! Built in bookcases are a great addition to any office area. Another Great Selling point too!

elmueble

A great way to maximize space, is to turn a small closet into a desk area.

manolohome

All offices come with an abundance of technology. Use Binder Clips to help tame all those cords and wires.

A cork wall is a fun addition to any work space.

flicker

And as always, try to……………….

etsy

Lindsey Binz is the founder and principal of Lindsey Binz Home Company, a firm specializing in helping people find and make their dream home(s). If they need to sell another one first , LBH can get that done too! Visit her website at lindseybinzhome.com

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Styled Two Ways

ark_admin — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 09:01:43 +0000

You’ve seen the before and after images of this fun family space in our April issue. Designer Kathryn LeMaster maximized space and functionality for a family of seven in a complete overhaul of their breakfast/kitchen/office area, the hub of their home. This banquette-anchored breakfast nook is really a focal point of the room, and it brings together the earthy-yet-bright palette of rusts, oranges, aquas and neutrals. Knowing that there will be times when this space could use a style freshen-up–whether with a change of season or for a special occasion–LeMaster has equipped them with everything they need to mix up the look a bit.

See what changed? Just the patterened pillows on the banquette and a few of the plates that frame the window. Have a closer look:

These very simple changes make the space more lively and casual and much more summery! Small changes can make a big difference. Are there spaces in your home that could use a little fresh energy like this now that spring has arrived?

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Color Coordinated: Stitched in Time

ark_admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:02:44 +0000

Today, we’re inspired by the beautiful colors in Phyllis Anne Clark’s vintage linen collection. “You want to use them because they are all so pretty,” she says. Everywhere she goes, Clark is gathering small pieces of the past in discarded heaps of linens from homes that are downsizing or from friends who know of her love. Guest towels with delicately stitched lace to those with more whimsical pieces stitched with brightly hued thread are some of the linens in Clark’s collection. Her booth at Fabulous Finds Antique Mall is brimming with tablecloths, handkerchiefs, aprons, pillowcases and, of course, tea towels. Read more online here or find a copy of our April issue on newsstands.

{paint colors: great green; vivacious pink; electric blue; wild watermelon}

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Friday Favorites: 4 April 2014

ark_admin — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 11:07:34 +0000

From Online Content Editor, Ashley Gill: “Preordering these (Because my future is so bright)”: {Krewe du Optic Toulouse in Champagne & Rue Tortise Polarized spotted on The Daily South: “What to Wear This Weekend“}

From Managing Editor, Tiffany Adams: “Since I was small child I have always looked forward to Easter dress shopping. This ensemble caught my eye this week. I love all the florals and the mix of accessories. It reminds me of our spring fashion feature.” {“Spring a Ling & Nordstrom Giveaway” on Suburban Faux-Pas}

From Art Director, Mandy Keener: “I love these slippers. They are so right MEOW!” {from Refinery 29 “New Del Toro Emoji Accessories Are The #BrownSwirlyFace“}

From Editor-in-Chief, Chip Jones: “I am so glad the sun is shining today, and I am loving to dig through archives of beautiful interiors inspired by bright spring colors.” {Design by Frank Babb Rudolph, Featured in Veranda April 2011}

The post Friday Favorites: 4 April 2014 appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

Room of the Week: Wash and Wow

ark_admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 08:00:02 +0000

fire hose mat | hot and cold photograph canvases | wire hamper

Our April “Homes with History” issue is finally on newsstands! We’ve been spring cleaning and organizing like crazy and these stylish finds in this issue are just what we needed. Maybe they’ll inspire you as well. You can repurpose items or find vintage items to add character to your laundry room or any space around your home. We are loving these repurposed fire hose mats; such a great idea! You can find all these items seen above at Little Rock’s new downtown shop, MOXY Modern Mercantile, (501) 541-7775 and find them on facebook here. Read more online here to find out about these products and many other fresh finds to fluff up your laundry room. You can also find a copy on newsstands.

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Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Contain Yourself!

ark_admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 15:48:47 +0000

Finally, you can say goodbye to winter and its chilly dreariness and think about the really important stuff like, “How am I going to decorate my front porch?” Or, “Where can I put that beautiful palm I saw at the nursery?” Or, “Where can I find several pots to use on the deck?” Or even, “I want to find a group of pots I’d like to display, but I don’t want them all to match. I would love them to be conversation pieces!”

Gardening doesn’t have to involve acreage and a staff. You can highlight any corner, refresh any entryway, use almost any plant material you like and bring it all together any way you like. How do you do this? Use containers!

First, let’s discuss a few rules for use of outdoor pots:

1) Select pots suitable for the area. If they’re to be outside in the elements, make sure they can withstand the weather. Check for drainage and, if using in full sun, pair the pot with a saucer to retain moisture.

2) Make decisions about containers based on color, texture, size, and design. But not necessarily in that order. You can mix or match a pot collection, so don’t limit yourself. A traditional house doesn’t require traditional containers, nor does a contemporary house need square pots, with little or no ornamentation. Think about proportion, and use the largest pots at the top of the stairs, and smaller sizes below, or grouped around. Don’t be afraid to move pots around once you have them planted, so you can get the feel and appearance you want.

3) If you seek a row, or line of pots, try to make them all the same size and design. This kind of uniformity will make your space appear larger, and/or more formal. Likewise, if you seek a pair of pots, say to flank a door, you’ll probably want them to match. But that rule isn’t written in stone. Or terra cotta. Two different designs, but of roughly the same size, can complement each other as well.

4) Don’t limit container use to areas solely attached to your house. Pots can add a bit of distinction to any garden when raised on a stand, nestled in with existing landscape, or placed on top of existing walls. If you’ll think of formal European gardens you’ve seen, many have potted plants mixed in with ground plantings.

That’s pretty much all the design ideas you’ll need to contemplate for containers. Now comes the next step: selecting suitable plant material. Think about sun or shade and watering requirements. Larger plants tend to have larger root balls, so use large containers for the big ones.

You can pot one plant per container, or you can mix several, all depending on size. Gardeners selecting multiple plants for one container call this decision “The Big Three:” Thriller, Filler, and Spiller. Thriller is the larger plant used as a focal point. Filler is the plant that will grow uniformly in the pot and is roughly less than half the height of the big plant. And Spiller is usually a bloomer that cascades over the sides of the container.

It really is this easy. Nurture your design sense, and go shopping for containers that fit your moods and space. This time of year, pots are stacked for sale all over. And nurseries have been waiting for you all winter, just stuffed with plant material suitable for any environment. And you really can start the process. All plants, no matter where they were grown, are ready to go outside once the nighttime temperature doesn’t go below 45 degrees. Container gardening is just another way of bringing your personality into your landscape.

Live Life to the Fullest,

Chris Olsen

The post Living the Good Life with Chris Olsen: Contain Yourself! appeared first on At Home in Arkansas.

One-on-One: Jeff Garner, DDS “The Smile Dr.”

ark_admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 10:11:00 +0000

At Home in Arkansas: What is your favorite Arkansas destination? Jeff Garner: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. I’ve only been twice, but I want to go back again and again. It’s truly a world-class gem.

AHIA: Name your treasures. What do you own that you just couldn’t do without? JG: My family is what I treasure most in this world. But in terms of belongings it would be my museum-quality art collection, which includes pieces by Whistler, Rembrandt, Buhot, Robbe, Guerrard, Baumann, Burr, Lichtenstein, Neiman, and more. I could do without it, but I really enjoy the collecting, the history and the visual enjoyment of it all.

AHIA: Name one experience that’s on your “bucket list.” JG: A European cruise from Amsterdam to Bucharest.

AHIA: What are your favorite things about your home? JG: I love living in the Heights, especially this time of year, when the trees and flowers are in bloom. My home is elegant yet “homey” and comfortable. It tastefully lends itself to displaying some of our art and entertaining friends.

AHIA: What’s a common misconception about dentists that you’d like to clear up? JG: In the field of cosmetic dentistry, all the education in the world can never compensate for a lack of talent. It takes natural, God-given artistic talent.

AHIA: What’s your favorite food that, as a dentist, you consider a “no-no”? JG: Although it’s not a food, per se, ice! Who doesn’t like to get to the ice in a Sonic drink? Frozen watern “crunched” into 98.6 degree teeth causes enamel cracking…not good!”

Thanks, Dr. Jeff!

Jeff Garner, DDS | Visit smile-doc.net to learn more about his work in cosmetic and aesthetic reconstructive dentistry. And check out his Facebook Page!

{Stay tuned! We’ll be sharing more fun interviews with Arkansans in the coming weeks!}

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Decorating with Cece: What’s Your Coffee Table Personality?

ark_admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:50:21 +0000

I think a huge indication of a person’s style is the way they decorate their coffee table. A modern minimalist, for example, might have a clean white coffee table with a single brass object or an oversized, graphic book. A traditionalist will dress hers with a few books, maybe some flowers and an antique silver tray. I love it when I come across different versions and, personally, I like to change mine up a lot. Here are a few of my favorite coffee table looks from over the years as well as my most recent version!

Matchbook Magazine

I love how Bailey McCarthy used an antique Louis Vuitton trunk in her Houston living room. Topped with a quirky walrus, it makes a fun statement.

Lonny

Betsy Burnham keeps various objects and pretty hydrangeas in place with an Hermes tray. They other side still has plenty of room for books and the orange adds a bold dash of color.

Vogue.com

Devon Radziwill’s modern coffee table allows for layering books and objects without being too busy.

Lonny

Kay O’Toole’s smaller version is given the antique treatment. I love the height that the soccer ball sculpture provides and it brings a little whimsy to the space.

Vogue.com

Lauren Santo Domingo’s uber-chic coffee table has a lower level perfect for succulents.

Mark D. Sikes

Mark D. Sikes’s collections of boxes are stacked on this tortoise-effect table. I love the way the neutrals all play off of each other (and the touch of blue and white, too!).

I love Elizabeth Bauer’s lucite version, especially with all of the pink pieces she uses here.

La Dolce Vita

An oversized white piece allows stacks of art books to mingle with antique candlesticks and a pretty bouquet. I love the whole eclectic mix of the room and the coffee table here perfectly plays along.

Lastly, an aerial view of my space (my apologies for the sub-par photography!). I bought the mirror thinking I would hang it on the wall above my bed but it’s so perfect on the reclaimed wood table that I use it as a tray. My stack of books is always changing, as are the blooms but the candle is always the same — Archipelago’s Havana. I am obsessed!

So how do you style your coffee table?? Do you spice it up or keep it simple year round?

Cece Fourchy Quinn is a native Californian who fell in love with the South during school at Ole Miss. She created her blog, Mississippi Maven, to share inspirations on interiors, fashion and all things stylish. After college she relocated to Little Rock where she worked in design and further honed her aesthetic. Now back in her hometown on the West Coast, she spends her time scouring flea markets for unique finds, hoarding shelter magazines and dreaming of the South. Follow her on Twitter: @cecefquinn.

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Color Coordinated: A Haute Outdoor Retreat

ark_admin — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:00:56 +0000

We’re brightening up your Monday morning with this graphic black-and-white, aqua and coral poolside cabana designed by Tobi Fairley. “We took color cues from the interior of this Fayetteville home, which is done in layers of aqua, light blue and steel grays and accented with orange tones from pumpkin to cinnamon,” says Fairley. Black-and-white stripes on the ceiling highlight the structure’s angles, and give it the feeling of an extra chic poolside hut. The pendants ordered from Restoration Hardware were given a custom aqua paint job to tie them into the color scheme. Banquette seating and custom Parsons chairs offer plenty of seating for extended family and guests. Find all the images and read the full story online in the March “Outdoor Living” issue here.

{paint colors: ripe melon; tantalizing teal; black; something blue}

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Spring Break Inspired

ark_admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 07:59:19 +0000

Since it’s Spring Break time, we’re rounding up images from our archives that just scream “Fun in the Sun!” Enjoy! (And to see the original articles from which these shots were pulled, just click on the images.)

So, even if you’re not traveling to a tropical locale this week, dust of those shades and sandals and have a very happy Spring Break!

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Room of the Week: Garden Party of Four

ark_admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 07:58:46 +0000

side table | linen napkin | candelabra | bird cage votive

Donna and Jim Bottin are ready to host garden parties at their West Little Rock home thanks to Providence Design and Palette Catering, who helped them set the perfect table and menu. Providence Design. Co, owned by sisters Talena Ray and Mona Thompson, designed the interiors and selected the exterior furnishings and fixtures of the Bottin home, so a party on the patio was right up their alley. “We always use a layered approach to our designs and we like to have a continuous flow from one space to another,” says Ray of the pair’s philosophy. A great tip for hosting a party: by adding a rolling bar cart, it keeps beverages close by and prevents the host from having to leave the company of guests to refill glasses. Read more here or find a copy on newsstands. You can also find extra recipes from Palette Catering here.

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a dessert fit for a garden party

ark_admin — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 08:18:29 +0000

If you’ve been following our gradual reveal of the menu–created by Palette Catering–for the garden party in our March issue, then you’re ready for dessert! For the grand finale, our chefs chose a Rhubarb Pie with Vanilla Bean Cream. Have a look (and prepare to crave sweets!):

This pie happens to be a specialty of Palette Catering, and the recipe is top secret (order one today and relish the effortlessness!), but they have generously shared their recipe for the Vanilla Bean Cream. Here’s how you can “whip it up” at home:

Vanilla Bean Cream

1 cup heavy cream

2 Tablespoons powdered sugar

1 vanilla bean

Place cream and sugar in a chilled mixing bowl. Cut the vanilla bean in half, lengthwise. Scrape the halves with the tip of a paring knife to release the seeds. Add the seeds to the cream and sugar. Whip until soft peaks form.

And if you missed out on the other great recipes from this patio dinner party, discover them at the following links: S easonal Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette and Bacon Lardons (from the issue); Mixed Grilled Vegetables; Lamb Chops with Marinade, Curried Carrots, and Parsley Pesto

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color coordinated: cottage courtyard

ark_admin — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 11:52:41 +0000

Sheb and Danny Fisher’s cottage courtyard is just the place to find color inspiration this morning. Purple petunias potted with ornamental grass make for a non-traditional centerpiece that adds a splash of color to the bistro table. A soft palette of green and blue cover the table and light green cushions tie it all together. Beautiful terracotta pots filled with a mixture of colorful flowers and herbs are placed throughout the courtyard. What a wonderful place to host friends and family. Is it 5 o’clock yet? Read more here and find more outdoor inspiration in the March issue on newsstands or online.

{paint colors: relish; sapphire ice; sunset; wizard}

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a grand opening giveaway from hammons + beck

ark_admin — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 19:35:28 +0000

As of this week, Fort Smith has a new shopping destination for local lines, furnishings, art and homewares! Located in the historic Brunwick Place, Hammons + Beck is the creation of Fort Smith resident Kat Hardin. The shop has a strong sense of both place and history, specializing in unique offerings from local producers as well as show-stopping antiques. In honor of the grand opening, Hammons + Beck is giving away a $50 Gift Certificate to one of our lucky readers this week! To win: “Like” the Hammons + Beck Facebook page as well as the At Home in Arkansas Facebook page, and then leave a comment on this post telling us why YOU want to shop at this new Fort Smith hot spot. The winner will be selected at 4pm this Friday, March 21st. Good luck!

Want to see more of this great new store? Us too!

You can also follow @hammonsbeck on Instagram for constant inspiration and to see the latest items as they roll in. What an exciting new source for home furnishings in our state. Enter to win and then let’s do some shopping!

AND THE WINNER is: Alyson Rodgers Wilson!

[This giveaway is now closed! Thank you to those who entered.]

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friday favorites: 3.21.14

ark_admin — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 08:20:05 +0000

from Blythe Cate, our Graphic Designer: “Spring luncheons, cookouts, cocktail hours– this space calls for indulging in alfresco entertainment.” {“Outdoor Patio Design Ideas” from Lonny}

from Chip Jones, our Editor-in-Chief: “I love the simple lines and beautiful green velvet fabric of this dining chair. So, simple and elegant!” madegoods.com

from Ashley Gill, our Online Content Editor/Marketing Coordinator, Ashley Gill: “Tis the season for salad, and this week I’m loving an old favorite: Zaza’s Baja Shrimp Salad! zazapizzaandsalad.com

from Courtney Bass, our Editorial Intern: “This is a revamped office kitchen, but I think the their design could work in any small kitchen space. They painted the walls a bright green but balanced the space with white subway tiles. Stunning!” {“Studio Kitchen Makeover” on Oh Happy Day}

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room of the week: enchanted estate

ark_admin — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:37:16 +0000

coffee table | pillow | outdoor chair

Our March issue is packed full of outdoor living inspiration and this outdoor renovation does not disappoint. Garry Mertins and Chris Olsen worked on this Hillcrest-area outdoor renovation. When it came to the family’s must-haves, the addition of a new fireplace and conversation space on the pool level was high on their wish list. Thanks in part to the cool color palette of the outdoor fabrics, which were selected by the owner with an eye for both function and fun, it has become a favorite space for guests. There’s so much to see in this feature, including a beautiful pool, landscaping and outdoor kitchen. It’s the perfect spot to entertain friends and family. Cheers to getting outdoors this spring! Read the full story online in the March issue here or find a copy on newsstands.

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one-on-one: Jennifer Huett

ark_admin — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 08:39:22 +0000

At Home in Arkansas: What are your 3 must-have items for the new year? Jennifer Huett: 1) I’m loving all the beautiful lacquered pieces now. Bungalow 5 does a extra large 3-drawer chest I bought for my storefront, but decided I had to have it. It looks great in my foyer! 2) I am so in love with Tocca right now. They have the BEST body cream (Crema Da Sogno) and scrubs that make your skin feel amazing! My favorite is Cleopatra–a soft and clean smell. 3) Also loving Kim Salmela’s upholstered pieces. She has an unbelievable sofa called the Coco. It is such a statement piece. AHIA: What is your favorite paint color at the moment? Jennifer Huett: Loving springtime since it motivates so many for a change. What better way than paint! I love Sherwin-Williams Indigo Batik and it looks lovely paired with Benjamin Moore Ballet Sippers (this soft pink is everywhere this season). AHIA: What is the last thing you purchased for a client? Jennifer Huett: A fantastic wall art called Wall Play. Inexpensive and makes such a huge statement! AHIA: Is there a design trend or product you are dying to try or purchase for a client in 2014? Jennifer Huett: I would love to use an amazing chandelier that is all feathers! Grace & Blake makes this statement piece that can be used from a transitional room to a more shabby chic look. AHIA: What is one design secret you can share with our readers? Jennifer Huett: Take RISKS! Don’t be scared to set your own trends. I know so many people who want to add color or step out of their safety zone, but are afraid to do so. Paint is a great inexpensive way to start. Begin with a small accent piece and then maybe venture out to paint a whole room.

Thanks, Jennifer!

Jennifer Huett is a Hot Springs interior designer and owner of the popular shop House to Home. Find House to Home online and follow along on facebook and instagram for design inspiration, projects and to see what’s new. And, don’t miss their blog.

{Stayed tuned! We’ll be sharing more fun interviews from Arkansas designers in the coming weeks.}

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color coordinated: bird is the word

ark_admin — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 08:26:27 +0000

Today, our color inspiration comes from a high-flying collection of birding field guides from a Scott collector. Jerry Butler is an avid bird-watcher and loves spending time looking out the window and exploring the grounds around his home for beloved native birds as well as foreign flyers passing through the state. “March is a particularly good time to watch for new species because of the migration that takes place as winter draws to a close,” he says of the spring season. We’ve been reminded of all the beautiful colors of different types of birds, which are beautifully illustrated throughout Jerry’s collection. Don’t forget, color inspiration can be right outside your window! Read the full story online in the March issue here or find a copy on newsstands.

{paint colors: lemon twist; taffy; bonsai tint; neptune}

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room of the week: a haute outdoor retreat

ark_admin — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 09:18:49 +0000