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FINE FURNITURE
1000
OUR LARGEST LOCATION is NOW OPEN in Rogers, AR!
The Brands at Arkansas’ Lowest Prices!
©20
09 J
effre
y K.
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Dentistry on a different level.
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The Smile Doctor®
“People used to say my eyes were my prettiest feature.”
Naturally beautiful porcelain veneers by Jeff Garner
4 At Home in Arkansas
Vol. 16, No. 2 © 2011 by Network Communications Inc. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. At Home in Arkansas™ (ISSN 1540-8914, USPS# 020-999) is published 11 times a year (January/February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December) by Network Communica-tions, Inc., 2305 Newpoint Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 770-962-7220. Periodicals Postage Rates are Paid at Lawrenceville, GA and additional mailing offi ces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to At Home in Arkansas™; P.O. BOX 9002, MAPLE SHADE, NJ 08052-9652. Canada Post PM40063731. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor ON N9A 6J5.
March 2011
AT HOME OUT & ABOUT70 On the Town Garden Party: Pretty prints and cheery colors
73 On the Road Insider’s guide to Searcy
79 What’s in Store Wares for outdoor entertaining
80 At Home with Landscape designer Adrienne Taylor
AT HOME STYLE13 Stylish Finds A blooming array of colorful goods
14 Design News What’s new and notable in The Natural State
18 Design Five top trends in fl ooring
21 Collections A Hot Springs collector’s antique canes
25 In the Kitchen New wares for outdoor kitchens
27 In the Garden Turning orchids into art
AT HOME OUTDOOR LIVING34 Rooms with a View A pair of Eureka Springs shop owners creates a series of hilltop garden rooms
44 Garden Getaway A Little Rock designer turns a bare backyard into a European-style retreat
52 Elegant Inside and Out In Fayetteville, a new home is designed for indoor/outdoor living
SPECIAL SECTION: 62 Landscape & Pool Professionals
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4462
SPECIAL SECTIONLandscape
& Pool Professionals
34
9101 West Markham 501.224.1724
lighting MAKES ALL THEDIFFERENCE WITH OUTDOORLED LIGHTS
6 At Home in Arkansas
CHAIRMAN & CEO Daniel McCarthy
CFO Gerry Parker
GENERAL COUNSEL Susan Deese
SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: Call toll-free 800-927-6847
or subscribe online at www.athomearkansas.com. Annual subscription rate: $15.00. Canada and Mexico add $24.00 per
year. Single copy price: $3.95 plus shipping and handling.
PUBLISHER Kelly Fraiser (ext. 11)
EDITOR IN CHIEF Diane Carroll
ART DIRECTOR Mandy Keener (ext. 12)
ASSOCIATE EDITORPaulette Pearson (ext. 16)
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Laura Hall LaRue (ext. 14)
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSNancy Nolan, Rett Peek
HOW TO REACH US2207 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, AR 72202
501-666-5510
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEJennifer Hay (ext. 15)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kathy Condrey (ext. 22)
Katie Rawlings (ext. 24)[email protected]
MARKETING COORDINATOR/ACCOUNT EXECUTIVELauren Quick Strother (ext. 10)[email protected]
www.athomearkansas.com
PRESIDENTHOME DESIGN DIVISION
Adam Japko
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Stuart Christian
DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING OPERATIONS Rick Higgins
CIRCULATION MANAGERKurt Coey
NEWSSTAND MANAGERBob Moenster
PRODUCTION DIRECTORCheryl Jock
PRODUCTION MANAGERAndrea Fitzpatrick
www.facebook.com/athomeinarkansasmagazine
@athomearkansas
by Marshall Clements
rock paper scissors
A new design resource coming soon to the Promenade at Chenal.
8 At Home in Arkansas
Much like the scene in the movie “Jerry Maguire”, when Renée
Zellweger confesses, after Tom Cruise’s lengthy declaration of love, that
he’d won her heart immediately, our house had my husband and me
exchanging “we have to live here” glances as soon as we stepped on the
front porch.
Built in 1908, our home has a wide and accommodating porch
that spans the front of our house. One side is nestled along an old
dogwood tree for a bit of privacy, while the other sports a view of our
neighborhood, offering a chance to wave to friends and invite them
to join us. Each spring, we clean the porch as soon as the pollen stops
flying, and it then becomes the main setting for all our socializing until
chilly winter days drive us back inside.
For us, the casualness that comes with being outside offers an easy
setting for reconnecting with family and friends. It’s the same concept
that spurred the homeowners in this issue to create their own outdoor
living spaces, from patios and porches for entertaining, to garden areas
for reflection, to an entire home where doors can be opened and the
outdoors brought in to nearly every room.
I hope they serve as inspiration as spring nears and you begin creating
or refreshing your own outdoor retreats. As for me, I’ll be enjoying my
front porch whenever I can, and one of my favorite ways to relax is curling up in the porch swing with a
new design book. I’ve included a few at the top of my reading list—drop me a line and let me know which
reads most capture your attention too.
My house had me at hello.
One of my favorite stylists
(if you read national design
magazines, you’ve likely seen
his work), Mota shares his floral
design secrets.
This proponent of naturalistic
gardens shows how to compose
them with artistic principles.
I’ve long been a fan of this
Alabama-based architect
who creates serene spaces
*April Inspiration: A new round of design reads
that feel personal, unique
and intriguing.
Bobby McAlpine’s “The Home Within Us” James Van Sweden’s
“The Artful Garden”
Carlos Mota’s “Flowers Chic & Cheap”
On the cover The loggia in Dr. James and
Debbie Tinnin’s Fayetteville
home. Photographed by
Rett Peek. See page 52.
STYLISH SPACES INDOORS
& OUT
think
10 At Home in Arkansas
Sleeping in fi ne quality linens is a pleasure. so caring for them isessential for preserving their beautiful appearance and feel. This month, we share tips of the trade for optimal linen care.
Goddess of Bedding
Before washing any type of linen, read the label for best results. Pre-washing new linens is recommended for most of the lines we carry at Vesta’s. Remember to use a mild deter-gent and fi ll your washer with warm water before placing linens into machine. It isn’t wise to pour detergent directly on the textiles and you do not want to overload machine--take your time, as you desire longevity in luxury.
Bella Notte products are machine washable and dryable. However, not all fabrics are compatible with all care products. In washing duvet covers and shams from Bella Notte, it is best to wash them inside out. This will extend the life of your linens and keep fabric vibrant. We also recommend rinsing in cold water and allowing time for a second rinse if possible. In doing so, you’ll prevent discoloration. It is important to promptly remove linens. While line drying outdoors is gentle, safe and imbues linens with the fresh scent of the
outdoors and natural bleaching of the sun, it is not always practical. You can machine dry most linens on low heat, but be sure to check the care label. Shake out damp linens before placing in dryer but avoid twisting or wringing out linens before drying. Never use a high heat setting, which is the surest way to weaken the fi bers, cause shrinkage and
shorten the life of your linens. Remove from the dryer promptly while still damp to minimize wrinkles. Iron linens while still slightly damp on the reverse side of the fabric. Use a steam iron on a warm/hot setting for cotton; use a hot
setting for linen and a water spritzer if needed. Use a press cloth to protect delicate lace and cutwork. To restore the lustrous face of sateen fabrics, iron on the reverse side. Avoid ironing silk or velvet linens; you won’t be happy with the results.
Consider a professional launderer or dry cleaner for coverlets and fi ne silks and cottons. They have ample equipment to handle the task and lessen your worry.
More than just a pretty face.
It’s true. It’s not just breathtaking natural beauty and elegance that make a Keystone wall remarkable. It’s what you don’t see that makes a big difference. Our pin connection
system affords you unmatched design versatility, strength, and ease of installation.
With Keystone – you can easily create your very own backyard paradise.
www.athomearkansas.com 11
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Curl up in a cozy hammock-style chair and get ready to watch spring unfold in the garden. Magnolia Casual swing set with tote bag from the Beach Boulevard
collection, featuring indoor/outdoor fabrics. Fountains, Pots, Plants & More, Conway
SwingintoSpring
12 At Home in Arkansas
Now Under New Ownership!
blog.closetfactoryarkansas.com
900 W. 7th St., Downtown Little Rock
Call for your FREE design consultation
501.907.7105 or 866.833.2105
A Place ForEverything!
www.athomearkansas.com 13
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1. Red garden étagère. Botanica Gardens, Little Rock 2. RockFlowerPaper jute container set in Passion Flower, featuring waterproof plastic lining. Westwood Gardens, Fayetteville; Cynthia East Fabrics, Fifth Season, Little Rock 3. Daisy one-gallon watering can. The Good Earth Garden Center, Little Rock 4. Fruit-patterned weather-resistant pillows. Botanica Gardens, Little Rock 5. Heartwood butterfly house. Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop, Little Rock 6. Sunflower bird feeder. Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop, Little Rock 7. Biodegradable bamboo flowerpots in a variety of colors. The Good Earth Garden Center, Little Rock 8. Colored glass hummingbird feeders. Fountains, Pots, Plants & More, Conway
Blooming Color
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February 21 – April 3Daffodil Days/Tulip Extravaganza
Abundant blooms brighten the trails at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs; visit the Web
site for peak bloom time detailswww.garvangardens.org
March 11 – 12Camden Daffodil Festival
Home and garden tours, an art show and sale, and more
www.camdenfestival.com
March 18 – 2043rd Annual Jonquil Festival
Historic Washington State ParkFlowers, historic home and museum tours,
craft sale and other eventswww.historicwashingtonstatepark.com
March 25 – 27Arkansas River Valley
Lawn and Garden ShowFort Smith Convention CenterThe River Valley Master Gardeners
host seminars, vendors and garden displays(479) 883-0623
GARDEN FESTSCELEBRATE SPRING BLOOMS
AT EVENTS STATEWIDE
Environmentally friendly products for home and family abound at EcoFab, a 1,300-square-foot retail space complete with an organic coffee bar and designed for easy, informative shopping. Wares include handmade local soaps, reusable totes and lunch kits, one-of-a-kind jewelry, soy candles, hand-woven baskets and more. Community-oriented programs, such as fundraising events and Saturday morning storytelling, offer tips for transitioning to a sustainable lifestyle. Check the online calendar for monthly programs. 17815 Chenal Pkwy., (501) 821-3171, www.ecofabstore.com
ECO EASEGO GREEN WITH ECOFAB, A NEW ONE-
STOP SHOP IN WEST LITTLE ROCK’S THE PROMENADE AT CHENAL
A Good Egg20th anniversary
Eggshibition benefits Little Rock’s Youth HomeFor two decades, the annual Eggshibition
fundraiser has helped Youth Home become a successful safe haven for adolescents. Celebrate its success and support the cause at Eggshibition XX, featuring live and silent auctions for egg-shaped and egg-themed masterpieces created by Arkansas artists, celebrities and students.
Friday, April 17 p.m.
Jack Stephens Center on the UALR campus
www.youthhome.org for tickets or more information
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Center 1 | 3410 S. Peoria, Ste. 100 | Tulsa, OK | Hours: Tues–Sat 10:30–5:30
www.srhughes.com | 918.742.5515
16 At Home in Arkansas
All things garden will now be together under one state-of-the-art roof as the Lumber One Home Center location in Mayflower opens a new 6,000-square-foot garden area this month. Veteran pros of the central Arkansas landscape business, manager Becky Naylor along with her sister, Betsy Caudle, will oversee the center, which includes a full range of plants, shrubbery, trees and planting materials, as well as pots, fountains, statuary and more. Landscape design services and delivery are also offered. 682 Hwy. 365, (501) 470-1122, www.lumberonehomecenter.com
GARDEN GROWTHLUMBER ONE IN MAYFLOWER OPENS A FULL SERVICE GARDEN CENTER
Interior designer and Conway native Ashley Carson has opened a retail space for all things home in the city’s Mountebanq Place building downtown. At Anything and Everything Design, the versatile Carson has created room settings featuring furnishings and an eclectic range of one-of-a-kind works by central Arkansas artisans, ranging from murals to mirrors to jewelry to toys. Within this loft-like space, she meets with clients interested in event and wedding planning, home organization and home staging. 1107 Oak St., (501) 908-9257, www.anythingandeverythingdesign.com
VERSATILE DESIGN
Conway’s Anything and Everything Design showcases home décor
and a diverse mix of design services
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, April 286 to 9 p.m.
Union Station in Little Rock
ASID WINE AND
DESIGN
[email protected] for more information
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For the 11th Annual Spring Garden TourSponsored by the Greater Little Rock
Council of Garden Clubs
Garden Artistry, featuring nine private gardens and the beautiful Old Mill, all in
the North Little Rock area
Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sunday, May 1, 1 – 5 p.m.
Call (501) 663-7515 or visit www.glrcgc.net for ticket
sales locations or more information
18 At Home in Arkansas
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TREND #2Durable, Earth-friendly porcelain tile in larger sizes and a variety of textures
Matrix porcelain tile features recycled con-tent, and both Matrix and Baja tiles come in a variety of colors and sizes, including 18-inch squares. Shawfloors.com for retailers statewide
TREND #1 Hardwood featuring natural oiled finishes,
wide planks, patterns and distressing
Tapis Blanc patterned, brushed and beveled oak hardwood with a natural oil finish; also available in Marron and Noir colors. Kahrs.com for retailers statewide
New trends in hardwood, bamboo, tile, laminate and carpet emphasize a natural
look underfoot
www.athomearkansas.com 19
Portfolio Collection wide plank, high-traffic strand bamboo flooring with Xcora technology, available in ten colors and grains. Teragren.com for retailers statewide
TREND #5 Eco-friendly bamboo available
in a full range of styles, including wide planks, textures and a
variety of colors
TREND #3Affordable laminates
boasting better looks, with a more natural stone or
wood appearancePorto Alegre in the Stones and Ceramics laminate flooring collection. Armstrong.com for retailers statewide
TREND #4Inviting and warm carpet updated with patterns and graphics
Optical Illusion patterned carpet, with Cape Mountain, Em-brace and Garden View carpet swatches. Shawfloors.com for retailers statewide
20 At Home in Arkansas
SOFAS, SECT IONALS, CHAIRS & A WHOLE LOT MORE.
RVH21311LZB
1000 South Shackleford Road at Kanis Road
ASK ABOUT OUR FREE IN-HOME DESIGN
Ellen Golden Antiques
5701 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock 501-664-7746
Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Lean on MeWhen it comes to collections, a Hot Springs antiquarian’s mix of walking canes carries its own weight By Paulette Pearson
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1. Set a budget—canes can become intoxicating. Depending on the materials and the level of detail, you can expect to pay about $250-300 for an authentic antique cane with unique features.2. Decide what look you want for your collection, such as a theme or similar materials used. 3. Inspect the cane before purchase to assure that it’s not a marriage of two pieces. Tillman says common ploys are to add an additional antique, like a pocket watch or even a pair of opera glasses.4. In addition to materials used, also consider the artistic quality. For example, intricate carvings can add value. 5. Make sure you consult with a reputable dealer who will stand behind the product.6. While canes can be found at garage sales and flea markets, Tillman says, “if you want to create a good collection, look a little bit further.” He has had success in finding canes while traveling abroad, working with dealers and searching online.
Tillman’s Beginner’s Guide for Collecting Canes
www.athomearkansas.com 23
Sporting a cane may no longer be mainstream, but a
select few still have enough panache to get away with it. Davis
Tillman, owner of Tillman’s Antiques in Hot Springs, is one
of the select few. The antiquarian began his cane collection
more than 30 years ago, and has been known to don one on
special occasions. “Every now and again, yes I do carry one,”
he says, smiling. “I like to be a little over the top.”
For centuries, canes have served as accessories for men,
often denoting power. In Rome, they were marked with eagles,
while Egyptian styles featured lotus blossoms. In Asia, they
also represented good fortune, and African chiefs and kings
carried staffs carved from wood. “In almost every continent
and culture, canes have been symbols of power and position,”
Tillman says.
By the 1700s, in England, carrying a cane even required
a special license, as well as adherence to certain rules that
forbade leaning on or swinging a cane, carrying it on your
arm or hanging it on a button, table or chair. “There were
rules,” Tillman explains, “and if you broke them your license
would be revoked.” Cane use was considered a privilege
reserved only for a certain class of people, he adds, and the
infirm merely carried “walking sticks.”
As they became more ornate, cane tops showcased intricate
carvings and materials like bone, ivory, porcelain, gold,
jade or even precious stones, while the staff featured ebony,
bamboo and hardwood. The ability to distinguish between
bone and ivory is important, notes Tillman: “Ivory grows in
two different directions, creating a fish scale effect, while
bone always grows sinuously in one direction.” Likewise,
hallmarks on sterling silver pieces can help determine their
age and place of origin.
Canes were made with function in mind as well. During the
1800s, some were designed to hold swords and pistols, many
contained vials of liquor during prohibition, others housed
compasses, and still others folded into small seats for horse
racing and outdoor activities. Tillman advises collectors to
be wary of staffs with unoriginal cane tops, which includes
mounting a pocket watch to a staff with hopes of increasing
its value. “It’s a marriage of convenience,” Tillman laughs.
“Either move on or buy it strictly for its aesthetics.”
Tillman’s collection is a cross-section of styles from around
the world—South America, China, Indonesia, England, the
United States and more. One was a gift from his father and
belonged to a Supreme Court justice, another is an elk horn
fist and baton from China, another is a carved bulldog’s head
that holds coins and his most beloved is a Faberge design
from his wife. Next on the list are designs by Tiffany & Co.
and Cartier. However, anything unusual is likely to have a
place in Tillman’s collection, which he keeps by the front
door to grab on a whim.
“Some people are minimalists all of their lives, and some
are collectors,” Tillman notes. “I started very young and
decided early on that I wouldn’t buy anything unless I could
live with it my whole life.”
24 At Home in Arkansas
C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery
2206 Cantrell Rd (In front of Cajun’s Wharf)
Little Rock, AR • 501.399.9909 www.candfcarpet.com
WWW.CONGOFP.COM
entertain your family outdoors with
Come see the largest selection of outdoor furniture in Arkansas
www.athomearkansas.com 25
PARTY ON THE PATIOSavor the warmer weather with a well-appointed outdoor kitchen
RH Peterson Co. grill. Ken Rash’s of Arkansas, Little Rock
UniFlame firepit. Congo Fireplace & Patio, Benton
Treasure Garden patio umbrella. Congo Fireplace & Patio, Benton
Jackson Pottery Inc. urns. Fountains, Pots, Plants & More, Conway
Dash & Albert Rug Company outdoor rug. Cobblestone & Vine, Little Rock; House to Home, Hot Springs
Kingsley-Bate dining table. Ken Rash’s of Arkansas, Little Rock
Kingsley-Bate fabric options in Green Phifertex, Tangerine and Pango-Wren. Ken Rash’s of Arkansas, Little Rock
Kingsley-Bate dining chairs. Ken Rash’s of Arkansas,
Little Rock
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Schneider Lawn and Landscape501-821-9929
Specializing in commercial andresidential landscape design and installation.
www.athomearkansas.com 27
Bring the outdoors in year-round with an easy to create and care for living sculpture By Diane Carroll
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Beat the blues during the last
few weeks of winter with a project that’s sure to
boost the spirits. Floral designer Holly Mang,
owner of Brick Street Botanical in Rogers, offers
a how-to idea that will get you moving and add a
dash of creativity to your home at the same time.
First, you need to take a hike—head to your
favorite park or trail, and search for the most
unique piece of wood you can find, something you
can envision cleaning and using as a centerpiece
or on a side table. Then, follow Mang’s step-by-
step instructions for turning the wood into an
eye-catching orchid sculpture.
MATERIALS
www.athomearkansas.com 29
Lawrie RashLocally owned and
operated since 1992•
30 At Home in Arkansas
HOW-TO:1. Soak angel moss in a water-filled basin or vase to rehydrate. Moisten sheet moss.
2. Remove orchid from pot and rinse away potting medium. Use pruning shears to cut off any dead or discolored roots.
3. Take a golf ball-sized clump of moist angel moss, part the roots of the orchid and position the clump in the center of the roots.
4. Place the orchid with the moss ball underneath directly on the piece of wood, at the place where you would like the orchid to remain.
5. Cover the roots with moist angel moss and secure the entire root/moss area to the wood with florist wire, wrapping the wire around the wood in several directions to securely hold the orchid in place.
6. Use sheet moss as a decorative cover and additional layer of moisture over the roots, angel moss and wire. Use decorative paper wire to secure the moss in place attractively.
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MAINTENANCE:1. Place the completed orchid sculpture in bright, indirect light.
2. Bring the orchid sculpture to a sink and saturate the moss/root area thoroughly once a week.
3. Allow the moss to dry out between waterings. Mist the orchid foliage as needed to maintain a shiny, clean appearance.
4. Add an orchid fertilizer to your watering cycle once a month.
2 2 3
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32 At Home in Arkansas
Call for FREE Design Consultation www.closetfactory.com501-907-7105AH1
Murphy Beds
Closets
it’s supposed to be.
I can relax.
©2011 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.
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with a
INTERVIEW AND STYLING: DIANE CARROLL PHOTOGR APHY: RETT PEEK
COTTAGE CHARM MEETS COUNTRY VISTAS ON THIS EUREKA SPRINGS HILLTOP, WHERE A PAIR OF SHOP OWNERS HAVE CREATED INVITING GARDENS AND
OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS
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Jeff Chapman and Stan DuBois, owners of the Eureka Springs home furnishings store Vintage Cargo, built a new garage with a cottage-style exterior to match their home and even added a broad front porch. Decked with outdoor furniture from their store, the porch offers a comfortable perch for viewing the garden and the Ozark Mountains beyond.
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A pathway leads from the garage along the front of the house, where the pair created meandering cottage-style gardens that include such plants as butterfly bush, crape myrtle, Cleome and Abelia.
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At Home in Arkansas: You’ve created a mini-compound on this hilltop overlooking the Ozarks, from gardens and relaxation places to outbuildings and even a chicken
coop. What inspired this diversity?
Jeff Chapman: We designed the spaces so that you could go to various parts of the yard
and have a different feeling, from wide open areas with views to more tucked in and cozy places.
Stan DuBois: Each area is a destination for particular times of day—strolling to the chicken coop in the morning for fresh eggs, relaxing on the patio on a weekend, sitting on the porch and watching the sunset. You can have
different experiences in each place.
AHIA: Did the cottage style of your home influence the kind
of garden you created and the structures you built?
SD: Absolutely, and that style did not
exist here at all when we purchased the
property five years ago. It had a 1970s
house and just a few trees and shrubs
in the yard. This hilltop seemed to
call for a country cottage, something
very comfortable and casual, and we
renovated the house completely and
then carried the architectural elements
from the house over to the garage,
shed and other structures.
AHIA: How did you carry the cottage
style through to the gardens?
JC: By choosing informal elements,
the type of things you’d see around an
English cottage, like gravel pathways,
stone walls and colorful flowers. As
much as we enjoy formal gardens, we
felt that a natural look would work best
on this property, a style that rolls along
with the hillside. I also appreciate
color, especially bright combinations of
yellow and purple, or red and orange,
and letting those colors flow together
keeps things casual.
AHIA: What was your starting point for creating the
outdoor rooms?
SD: We knew we wanted certain destinations, including
a pool and patio off the back of the house and a garden
along the side, and then we created pathways to link these
areas together so they flow around the house and lead you
through the property. The stone walls, which define the
pool, the patio and the walking paths, were important.
Every stone in the walls came from our property, and they
appear dry stacked but they’re actually mortared so there’s
no concern about them staying in place. Then it was a
process of creating the gravel walkways and planting the
beds. They’re all connected but we like them to be freeform
and kind of ramble around.
AHIA: How did you make plant choices?
JC: Certain kinds of plants lend themselves to cottage
style—flowering shrubs like Abelia, hydrangeas and lilacs,
certainly roses, butterfly bush and other perennials that
Design ResourcesDesign, furnishings Vintage Cargo, Eureka SpringsBuilder Al Larson Builder, Inc., Eureka SpringsPlants Bear Creek Nursery, Eureka Springs Pool, patio Burton Pools & Spas, Springdale
have old-time appeal. I’m not the kind of gardener who
knows all the botanical names. I grew up gardening with
my mother, and my plant choices tend
to be favorites based on color, height,
how quickly they’ll grow, and if they’re
low maintenance and drought tolerant.
And over time, some excel, like salvia
that seems to love it here, and others
make their own plans known, like the
Cleome that died in one garden bed and
then sprouted up on the walkway and is
thriving.
AHIA: You surrounded the pool with
plants as well, blending it so naturally
into the garden setting.
SD: Yes, we tried to make it feel more
organic, both in shape and style. It
features a stone waterfall and is edged
in fieldstone, and like our garden,
there are no straight lines, rather it
curves and flows. The pool is our oasis
throughout the summer, and the sound
of the waterfall is always soothing.
AHIA: The cottage look even carries
through to the chicken coop. These
lucky chickens have a cupola and
weathervane on their house.
JC: That same style of cupola is on the chicken coop, the
shed near the pool, as well as the garage, and the details
help unify the property. The paint colors, the roofs, the
window boxes and the architectural elements are all the
same from building to building, and white fencing wraps
everything together. It helps the place look finished while
not being formal or stuffy.
SD: If you’re going to have a chicken coop, it should be a
nice one, right? It’s very satisfying to get up in the morning
and gather your own organic eggs in beautiful shades of
brown and blue. You feel more in touch with nature, walking
through your garden and to the chicken coop to gather your
breakfast. It’s more than just visual; it’s a lifestyle choice.
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A sycamore arbor serves as a transition between the garden along the front of the house and the pool and patio area. Flanked with flowering crape myrtles, the arbor’s rustic look juxtaposes with the white picket fence that rims the property. “It’s a little less predictable, and fits the natural feel of our garden,” adds DuBois. Potted dwarf zinnias mark the entrance, while butterfly bush surrounds a nearby birdhouse.
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Burton Pools & Spas created the new pool and patio. The stone for the waterfall originated on the property, and features hidden mortared joints for a dry stacked appearance. Seating areas and a pool house enhanced with cottage-style architectural details rim the pool, as do plants such as dwarf zinnias, daylilies and a variety of types of Salvia.
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Clockwise from upper left: Multi-colored zinnias; a garden bed sporting native grasses softens the view of the side of the house; butterfly bush; the garden path flows along the sides of the property; purple coneflowers; a butterfly lands on an Abelia bush; long-blooming crape myrtle; a Barred Rock roster and the stylish chicken coop he and several hens call home.
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A LITTLE ROCK DESIGNER ESCAPES TO AN ENTICING
INTERVIEW: PAULETTE PEARSON PHOTOGR APHY: RETT PEEK STYLING: MANDY KEENER
BACKYARD AND GUESTHOUSE WHERE REGIONAL PLANTS MEET EUROPEAN DESIGN
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A gravel path extends from a side gate to the guesthouse nestled in designer Reggie Marshall’s backyard garden. Marshall interspersed the allee of butterfly bush with crape myrtle, Artemisia, native grasses and a variety of other Arkansas-friendly plants.
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At Home in Arkansas: Your home, built in the late 1920s on a lot in the middle of the city,
wasn’t always this outdoor-oriented. Did the garden or guesthouse exist?
Reggie Marshall: When I bought it, the guesthouse was just a garage with a little
upstairs apartment, and there was no garden. I needed a place to relax from my busy schedule and enjoy some privacy, and I love gardens.
AHIA: Where did you begin in the transformation?
RM: With the garden’s structure: the walkways and the
basic plants. I gave it formal bones, using hawthorns and
boxwoods that will remain structural even in winter. Then
I added in the other plants, like hostas and ferns. Italians
say 80 percent of a garden should be evergreens and water,
while the English prefer more
flowers. I sort of have an
overgrown English garden with
an Italian structure.
AHIA: It seems to be
strategically divided into
separate living spaces.
RM: Since there’s not room
for much of a vista, I created
perspective with a walkway
that extends back to a 19th-
century iron gate, and that
pathway is intersected by
another walkway with seating
areas on both ends. Creating
different sections visually
makes it appear to have
different rooms.
AHIA: Is there a rhyme
or reason to your outdoor
furnishings?
RM: When it comes to garden
statuary and things, I want
them to be either real or really
interesting. The table is made
from a piece of granite and an
old piece of iron. There’s an old vintage iron chair. There
are big olive jars filled with plants lying around. They’re
all things that I love, for their scale or uniqueness. I don’t
really have any sets. If I’m drawn to something, I make it
work.
AHIA: How does your garden change seasonally?
RM: The color palette is based on sunlight, with softer
colors and textures in the shade and brighter pinks, oranges
and purples in the sun. In the spring there are daffodils and
primroses, then it turns into irises and lilies, then the roses
come along. And later, the summery blooms like Artemisia.
I just rake and let the garden become what it wants to. It
changes constantly.
AHIA: Did the garden influence the guesthouse in any way?
RM: The guesthouse was really an afterthought. I originally
just planned on the upstairs guestroom, but every time I
looked at the garage that was originally there, I thought,
“I’m never going to use it.” So I fixed it up and replaced the
driveway with an allee of butterfly bush.
AHIA: What were your main
design goals?
RM: To clean it up and edit it
out, keeping it really simple. If
I have out-of-town guests, I give
them a gate key so they can
come and go as they please. But
it’s really intended as a getaway
for me. It’s so nice to go out
there with my dogs, turn on the
fire, pour a glass of wine and just
relax.
AHIA: Like your garden, it has a
charming European feel.
RM: I wanted it to resemble a
French house, built with stone.
There’s a wonderful cross-breeze
that keeps it cool in the summer,
which the stone downstairs
enhances as well. I used a native
Arkansas stone, and the fireplace
mantle was brought in from the
South of France. Upstairs, the
headboard is actually a pair of
doors from a French chateau.
AHIA: How did you develop your love of outdoor living?
RM: I fell in love with plants because of my grandmother.
She worked her yard, and it was so charming. She was on
a budget, but she did it and it was just wonderful. I visited
her quite a bit when I was young, and she would pamper me,
cooking me my favorite food and letting me help her pick
flowers. I had free rein, learning about trees and nature
from her.
AHIA: What has gardening taught you?
RM: Every year I learn something new. To be a good
gardener, you have to be patient, and I’m not—I want
instant gratification. Gardening has taught me a little bit of
patience, but I’m still learning.
Design ResourcesDesign, furnishings Marshall Clements, Little RockPaint Benjamin Moore, locations statewidePlants Cantrell Gardens Nursery, Hocott’s Garden Center, The Good Earth Garden Center, Little Rock
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Clockwise from top: Pathways feature evergreen plants such as boxwood, rosemary and hawthorns. As a folly, Marshall opted for overscale brick columns on the guesthouse. Wisteria vines cover a fence behind a seating area; “Eastern cultures prefer it for the vine, not the flower,” Marshall explains. Facing page: A perpendicular pathway connects the main house and the guesthouse.
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Clockwise from top: Marshall furnished the guest quarters with a Russian armoire and 17th-century Italian desk; the patchwork quilt belonged to his grandmother. The headboard features a pair of doors from a French chateau. Fabric remnants were used for the draperies. Butterfly artwork hangs over an original claw-foot tub. Facing page: The guesthouse kitchen boasts a zinc-top sink and shelves filled with pieces from Marshall’s china collection.
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An antique metal chair welcomes guests into the guesthouse, where the fireplace mantle originated in the South of France. Marshall slipcovered loveseats, installed a Tibetan coffee table topped with Native American stones, and added an Italian candelabra for ambience; dried hops hangs from the rafters.
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ROWS OF DOORS, WIDE WINDOWS AND SUBTLE COLORS BLUR THE LINE BETWEEN INTERIOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES IN A NEW FAYETTEVILLE HOME
INTERVIEW AND STYLING: DIANE CARROLL PHOTOGR APHY: RETT PEEK
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The front door of Dr. James and Debbie Tinnin’s home opens into an airy living space, where a series of French doors lead to a courtyard garden. The armchairs are Swaim, the rug is from Hadidi Oriental Rug Co. and the loveseat and mirror above the granite and wood fireplace are from Cobblestone & Vine.
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A dining table, sofa and console table from Swaim mix with custom dining chairs and lighting in the open dining and living area, where marble tile floors reflect the light that pours in through three French doors with transom windows. Walls throughout the house are covered in custom-mixed colors from Benjamin Moore. Sketches by the Tinnins’ daughter, Dallas-based artist Noelle Petty, flank the fireplace.
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AHIA: Taking an image you like and translating it into all
the details that go into a new home is a huge undertaking.
Where did you begin?
DT: The first part was finding a building site that would
allow us to enjoy the sunrise in the morning and the sunset
in the evenings. When we found this plot on the outskirts
of Fayetteville, it afforded us privacy
and the right positioning for the house
to capitalize on natural light. We met
with an architectural draftsman and
he pulled all of our ideas together into
a house plan. An important focus in
the design was lining up doors and
doorways for views outside.
AHIA: In addition to open and light,
what design elements were important?
DT: Accommodating our family was the
top priority. Jim and I have six children
and six grandchildren between us, and
having spaces for being together when
they visit was important. We envisioned
ourselves entertaining and spending a
lot of time outside, especially with the
grandchildren. We love the integrated
aspect of the outdoors and indoors
coming together, and the variety of
rooms in the house means there are
places for everyone. There are areas
that are more little-kid friendly, and
other areas, like the living and dining
spaces, that are more for adults.
AHIA: You mentioned casual yet
elegant, and that look carries through to even the terrace
and the patio.
DT: I’ve always been drawn to an elegant look, but I want
people to be comfortable as well. I tried to strike a balance.
The casualness comes through in bringing the outdoors
in; when people walk up to the front door, there’s a sense
of welcome in being able to see all the way through to
the courtyard. The furniture choices are based on what I
gravitate to, styles I’ve always liked. I also worked with an
interior designer, Carolyn Carroll, who helped with paint
colors, window treatments and pulling together all the
details.
AHIA: Did the fact that most of the main rooms open to the
outdoors influence your design choices?
DT: Absolutely. I extended the colors from the outside to
the inside. The gardens are all white and green—everything
flowering is white, from dogwoods to crape myrtles to
hydrangeas. I used white throughout the interiors, a mix of
At Home in Arkansas: What influenced you to design your home around a central courtyard,
with doors from nearly every room leading directly to it?
Debbie Tinnin: I found an image in a magazine years ago of a similar house, with
open spaces and lots of windows for natural light. It seemed like the places my husband, Jim, and I had seen in Europe, open and inviting,
a variety of types of rooms, casual but elegant.
Design Resources
Builder Gary Striegler, Fayetteville
Interior design consultation Carolyn Carroll, Fayetteville
Landscape architect Travis Brooks, Fayetteville
Landscape installation Colonial Hills Landscaping, Fayetteville
Landscape maintenance DK Design, Fayetteville
Building materials National Home Center, Fayetteville
Brick Boral Bricks, Lowell
Drapery fabric Interior Fabrics and Design, Fayetteville
Floors Wood Floor Gallery, Springdale; Ozark Patterned Concrete, Lowell
Furnishings Cobblestone & Vine, Little Rock
Paint Benjamin Moore, locations statewide
Painter Robert Wilson Painting, Rogers
Plumbing fixtures Ferguson, Springdale
Rug Hadidi Oriental Rug Co., Little Rock
Screen Fabulous Finds Antiques, Little Rock
Sound and AV systems AV Design Consultants Inc., Springdale
shades to keep the rooms warm, especially for the different
seasons. I didn’t use any dark paint colors or fabrics; I let
accessories and art add that contrast.
I also used materials that work well with the transition from
inside to out. We used marble for the floors in the center of
the house, alongside the courtyard, because they’re durable
and easy to clean. Rugs would be
difficult with kids and the open floor
plan, so we kept the floors bare in the
main areas.
AHIA: What was your inspiration for
the courtyard?
DT: It’s European in style, with
the terrace and the patio as actual
outdoor rooms with places to sit
and relax or dine. Shady spaces were
important, and the trees surrounding
us soften the sun in the evenings. We
worked with a landscape architect and
chose plants that thrive in our region
but also fit within the framework of
our design, which has formal lines
but informal plantings. Over the
years, I’ve learned about plants and
developed an interest in gardening,
and I enjoy being able to spend time
working in the garden. It’s such a
good feeling to see something you’ve
planted come to life and thrive;
there’s that maternal component in
knowing you’ve provided the nurture.
It’s the same good feeling as knowing
you’re providing a comfortable place for your family.
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Arched doorways alongside a Henredon cabinet in the dining room lead to the kitchen and breakfast room (facing page), which includes framed botanicals Debbie created with dried flower cuttings from the garden. In the kitchen, black granite contrasts with white swivel chairs from Ballard Designs. In the adjacent den, linen covers a Swaim sectional and Cobblestone & Vine chair; the Asian screen is from Fabulous Finds.
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In the master bedroom, French doors lead to the courtyard. Silk draperies and bedding and a silk brocade fabric covering an antique bench reflect the natural light. In the guest bedroom on the second floor (facing page), a custom-mixed pale blue wall color echoes the sky. A headboard, draperies and chair slipcover custom made of crisp linen contrast with sumptuous velvet-covered antique side chairs.
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In the courtyard, Charleston Gardens furnishings and a Smith & Hawken umbrella top poured and scored concrete floors from Ozark Patterned Concrete. Landscape architect Travis Brooks designed a water fountain to transition between the seating area and the dining loggia, which features a granite tabletop and chandelier from National Home Center. The garden’s green and white color palette extends to the home’s interior, where a hallway showcases Debbie’s collection of white urns and vases.
61
With outdoor living season quickly approaching, At Home
asked readers in an online survey to recommend their favorite
landscape and pool professionals statewide. Their top picks
(which included a tie, resulting in 11 pros) listed alphabetically
include:
Cast your vote for other Arkansas’ Best professionals at www.athomearkansas.com/arkansasbest
2011 Arkansas’ Best
Top 10 Landscape & Pool Professionals{ }
a special at home in arkansas promotion
Aloha Pools & Spas, North Little Rock
Botanica Gardens, Little Rock
Brooks Pool Co., Little Rock
DK Design, Fayetteville
Elite Pools by Scott, Little Rock
The Good Earth Garden Center, Little Rock
Jeff Self Pools & Spas, Bryant
Landscape Associates Inc., North Little Rock
MESA Landscape Architects, Inc., Little Rock
Schneider Lawn & Landscape, Little Rock
Tallulah Pools, Inc., Jonesboro
www.athomearkansas.com 63
2011 Arkansas’ Best | Landscape & Pool Professionals
THE GOOD EARTH GARDEN CENTER
NAME: The Good Earth Garden Center OWNERS: Gregg and Julie Curtis TRADEMARKS: Outstanding customer service and variety HISTORY: The Good Earth opened in 1974 in what was then the outskirts of Little Rock. The company began as a retail store and growing facility and has since developed into a full service garden center, complete with landscape design/build services, irrigation installation/service, lawn/landscape maintenance, Mosquito X systems and gift shop. ADVICE: For the best weed control, apply pre-emergent to your lawn every 60-90 days. We use social media to keep our customers informed about what’s new around here; check us out on Facebook and Twitter, read our blog or sign up for our email newsletter. Check them all out on our website; it’s free info! While you are on the website, check out our new rewards program! TRENDS FOR 2011: We are pleased to be able to offer some very new and exciting garden items to Arkansans, such as fairy gardens, terrariums, smaller contained water features and chickens. Yes, we are talkin’ real chickens for your backyard!
The Good Earth Garden Center
A full-service garden center and landscape business adds innovative products and services
JEFF SELF POOLS & SPAS, INC.
NAME: Jeff Self Pools & Spas, Inc. OWNER: Jeff and Deborah Self TRADEMARKS: Honesty, quality, work ethic and family values. In addition to pool installation, renovation, remodeling, replacement liners, cleaning, repairs and maintenance, Jeff Self Pools & Spas offers a showroom with supplies and accessories, “Pool School” to teach homeowners how to properly use their equipment, as well as pool inspections for realtors and individuals interesting in purchasing a home with a pool. The owners are available onsite and in the showroom to assist customers. HISTORY: Jeff Self Pools & Spas, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business. Jeff Self has been building, servicing and repairing pools for more than 29 years. ADVICE: Have your pool professionally built so you can enjoy it for years to come. And don’t just base your decision on one variable, such as price. There are numerous variables to consider. TRENDS FOR 2011: More automation means less time spent on cleaning and maintenance. Also, pool remodeling such as liner, deck, automation, lighting and other upgrades allow homeowners to fully enjoy the backyard experience.
Quality and honesty define a family-owned pool installation company offering a wide range of services and products
64 At Home in Arkansas
2011 Arkansas’ Best | Landscape & Pool Professionals
TALLULAH POOLS, INC.
NAME: Tallulah Pools, Inc. OWNER: Nick Ellis TRADEMARKS: Our unique backyard design process uses the latest in virtual CADdrawing software to create water shapes and effects for home-owners and architects. We are committed to higher standards inthe building process—continued education is of the utmost importance, and we have clocked hundreds of hours at advanced industry events and schools nationwide and abroad. Owner Nick Ellis is northeast Arkansas’ only Certified Advanced Building Professional recognized by the National Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. His building background, continued education and specialized licenses and certifications allow us to continue to offer services clients expect. HISTORY: As a licensed home contractor, our company purchased Classic Pools in 2003, andlast year we changed our name to Tallulah Pools, Inc. of Jonesboro. TRENDS FOR 2011: Tallulah installs tens of thousands of square feet of natural stone patios and pool decks each year. Beautiful new options include natural limestone with a bamboo finish, travertine with silver leaf, and various Italian tiles and cobble-stones. Also, perimeter over-flow and vanishing edge pools offer a clean, contemporary look that is very popular. Pool equipment can now be accessed remotely using an iPhone, allowing you to disable or start your pump and motor, pool vacuum or spa from afar. Tallulah Pools, Inc.
Innovative design tools allow this well-known company to take pools to the next level
DK DESIGN
NAME: DK Design OWNER: Daniel Keeley TRADEMARKS: Creating outdoor spaces that rival their interior counterparts in terms of sophistication, style and livability. HISTORY: DK Design was founded by exterior designer and Little Rock native Daniel Keeley, who has been creating fine gardens and outdoor living spaces for well over a decade. Now based in Northwest Arkansas, DK Design works with both residential and commercial clients on a wide variety of projects throughout the state and beyond. ADVICE: Do not underestimate how luxurious and enjoyable a properly-designed outdoor living space can be. Forgo the cheap and the instantly gratifying for high quality design and products, and you will be much happier (and more wisely invested) in your outdoor spaces! TRENDS FOR 2011: A continued increase in demand for wonderful outdoor living spaces, outdoor furniture that looks and feels more and more like indoor furniture, exciting color combinations, a wider range of outdoor fabrics and a demand for quality over quantity.
DK Design
Stylish, sophisticated and liveable outdoor rooms are a speciality for this diverse exterior designer
www.athomearkansas.com 65
2011 Arkansas’ Best | Landscape & Pool Professionals
ELITE POOLS BY SCOTT
NAME: Elite Pools by Scott OWNER: Scott Girner HISTORY: I started and owned Aloha Pools & Spas for 30 years. Now with Elite Pools, I am continuing to pursue my passion of designing and creating one-of-a-kind backyard aquatic environments. We design and create unique aquatic architecture. ADVICE: Consider seeking a unique, one-of-a-kind pool, spa or backyard living space—not something to add to the house but a change in lifestyle for the entire family. TRENDS FOR 2011: People are realizing that there is a better way to keep the family together than packing up for the journey to the lake every weekend. Our backyard environments encompass everything you could experience during a vacation at a fine resort- and it’s just 10 paces away. More than just diving, slides & fountains for toddlers, we specialize in exotic features such as tanning ledges, a must for mom to set her lounge chair in 6” of water and catch up on that reading. Spill over spas make your backyard a year-round gathering space. Complete outdoor kitchens and even swim-up bars will keep you in the backyard all day long. In the evenings, remote controlled fire bowls and multi-colored lights create the “wow factor”. Fountains for that soothing sound, vanishing edges for dazzling your guests, all designed digitally to offer a virtual tour even before the first shovel shows up.
Pools go from play places to exotic escapes with the help of a seasoned professional
ALOHA POOLS & SPAS
NAME: Aloha Pools & Spas OWNER: Don Young TRADEMARKS: We’re known for exceptional customer service and service after the sale, depth of experience, and high-quality products. We’re also innovative: Our “Smart Pool” is the lowest maintenance pool available, completely automated for cleaning and circulation. HISTORY: We have been serving Arkansans for more than 28 years, accumulating numerous national design awards along the way. In addition to designing, building and servicing high-quality, low-maintenance pools at an incredibly low price,we also have a full service line of retail products that includes hot tubs, saunas and more. ADVICE: Remember the following, each of which sets us apart: 1) proper circulation throughout the entire pool, including the corners, 2) automated pool cleaning systems 3) and salt systems to regulate water chemistry. Depending on your yard, where your home is located and what look you’re going for, custom shaped pools can add appeal. TRENDS FOR 2011: We’ve been installing more salt-water pools, which replace chlorine pools with a low level of salt, creating a low-maintenance, user-friendly pool that regulates its own water chemistry. Because you don’t have to replace chlorine, it pays for itself within four years.
An emphasis on quality, service and innovation sets the experienced pros at Aloha Pools apart
66 At Home in Arkansas
2011 Arkansas’ Best | Landscape & Pool Professionals
BROOKS POOL CO., INC.
NAME: Brooks Pool Co., Inc. OWNER: Clyde Brooks and Clayton Brooks TRADEMARKS: We approach each project with pro-fessionalism and personal attention, delivering well-researched estimates and not under-bidding on a project just to get the job. Our experience, attention to detail and commitment to quality result in client satisfaction and referrals, and our support continues as long as it’s needed. HISTORY: With 42 years of experience and the dedication of three generations, Brooks Pool Company generates superior results. This tradition began in 1969 when John Brooks founded the company. John’s son, Clyde, became president in 1993, and Clyde’s son, Clayton, is now vice president and construction manager. ADVICE: Confirm the experience and reputation of builders, and make certain you receive comparable bids that list specific materials and equip-ment. Pump and filter types, pipe size, hydraulic design, and many other factors influence the ability of a pool to operate efficiently and effectively. As John Brooks always says, “The sweet taste of a cheap price never outlasts the bitterness of poor quality.” TRENDS FOR 2011: Going green, including the use of variable speed pumps. Incorporating automated control systems is also popular, giving pool owners the ability to control virtually every feature of their outdoor living area.
Three generations of experienced pros give this family-owned business a competitive edge
BOTANICA GARDENS
NAME: Botanica Gardens OWNER: Chris Olsen TRADEMARKS: We are known for our use of color, and for pushing our designs to the edge, in the sense that we are always creative and original. We try to out-do ourselves with every project. Because none of our yards have the same look, you can be assured that we will make your home stand out in your neighborhood. HISTORY: I opened Botanica in 2005, after having been in the business since 1992. I now work closely with clients, and am building a national presence. My new book, “Five Seasons,” contains affordable tips for making your home beautiful, inside and out, throughout the four seasons and into the holidays. ADVICE: The key is to not be afraid to ask for professional advice. Cut out images from magazines and compile inspiration from many sources, set a realistic budget, and then shop around for a designer to ensure you find the right fit. TRENDS FOR 2011: A cleaner look with brighter colors, an example being cushions in vivid hues rather than the brown stand-by. We’re seeing more collectibles as well, not matched but the mixed elements. Also, symmetry is being replaced with an emphasis on balance. So instead of two big pots flanking a door, try balancing a large pot on one side with two mid-sized pots on the other.
A veteran garden and home personality translates his happy outlook into designs that are creative and original
www.athomearkansas.com 67
2011 Arkansas’ Best | Landscape & Pool Professionals
ANTIQUE BRICK OUTDOORS
Antique Brick Outdoors
A renowned brick, stone and masonry supply company expands its services to include luxury outdoor living
NAME: Antique Brick Outdoors OWNER: Dave Garner TRADEMARKS: At Antique Brick Outdoors, you’ll find everything from fireplaces and barbecue equipment to outdoor patio furniture and accessories. An interior designer on staff and others are available to assist you from your project’s start to finish, to achieve a result that is incomparable in its design, quality and comfort. Whether you’re building an outdoor kitchen or a new patio, renovating an existing one, or just need professional assistance in selecting furniture and fabric for your outdoor space, you won’t need to look any further than the skilled experts at Antique Brick Outdoors. HISTORY: For 30 years, Antique Brick & Block, a family-owned and operated business, has been one of the leading brick, stone and masonry supply companies in the state. We’ve recently expanded our repertoire to include Antique Brick Outdoors, and are now your premier source for outdoor luxury living as well. ADVICE: To expand your living area, fill your outdoor space with comfortable, quality furniture. Begin with a seating arrangement in a style that reflects your taste and then add a dining table and chairs to accommodate family and dinner guests, or add a fire pit. Then choose the accessories: colorful pillows for your sofa and chairs, and an umbrella to keep the area shaded.
Go online & vote!{ }
2011 Arkansas’ Best
Cast your vote for other Arkansas’ Best professionals and
give your preferred resources the credit they deserve.
www.athomearkansas.com/arkansasbest
Online now: Arkansas’ Best builders
Arkansas’ Best art galleries
479-968-4477 110 S. Inglewood Russellville Monday-Thursday 8-5
General Dentistry
“I took my winning smile to
Miss America”
Alyse Eady
1st Runner-Up Miss America
Miss Arkansas 2010
Winning
Smile
www.athomearkansas.com 69
When winter gives way to sunny days, updates are in order, whether refreshing the garden or your spring wardrobe. We show you what to wear this season, and how to put it to good use with a trip to interior designer Beth Davis’ Searcy. Floral felt scarf by The Red Sari and flower clip. Box Turtle, Little Rock; Correspondence cards. Beth Davis Interiors, Searcy; St. Tropez basket. Cobblestone & Vine, Little Rock; Coin purse. Anthropologie, Little Rock
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70 At Home in Arkansas
GARDEN PARTYSay hello to spring in outfits with pretty prints and cheery colors
Mauve Maven Flower Girl
PEWTER FLATSTory Burch. Barbara/Jean Ltd., Little Rock
BRACELETSBlackbird, Searcy
NAIL POLISHFoot Loose by Essie. Glo Limited, Fayetteville,Little Rock
CROCHET VESTMystree. Blackbird, Searcy
BLOUSEKensie. Blackbird, Searcy
PANTS Free People. Blackbird, Searcy
DRESS Kate Spade. Feinstein’s, Little Rock
JEWELRYDeborah Grivas Designs. Feinstein’s, Little Rock
CLUTCH Sondra Roberts. Feinstein’s, Little Rock
KITTEN HEELS Salvatore Ferragamo. Barbara/Jean Ltd., Little Rock
LIP GLOSS Bobbi Brown. Dillard’s, locations statewide
NAIL POLISHViolet Diva by Estée Lauder. Dillard’s, locations statewide
LIP GLOSS Endless Kiss by Smashbox. Sephora, locations statewide
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BEAUTY KITTibi by Bobbi Brown. Dillard’s, locations statewide
www.athomearkansas.com 71
Skirted Sophisticate Radiant in Ruffles
NAIL POLISHFrozen Fantasy by Estée Lauder. Dillard’s, locations statewide
CLUTCHChan Luu. B. Barnett, Little Rock
BLUSHCreamy Duo by Smashbox. Sephora, locations statewide
SUNGLASSESGucci. B. Barnett, Little Rock
SEQUIN COLLAR CARDIGANMarc Jacobs. B. Barnett, Little Rock
PRINT CAMISOLE AND PLEATED SKIRTMarc Jacobs. B. Barnett, Little Rock
STRAPPY HEELSJessica Bennett. B. Barnett, Little Rock
HANDBAGJPK. Kristin Chase, Little Rock
WEDGESTory Burch. Barbara/Jean Ltd., Little Rock
BRACELETCoralia Leets. Kristin Chase, Little Rock
GOLD HOOPSStephanie Ann. Kristin Chase, Little Rock
NAIL POLISHDemure Vixen by Essie. Glo Limited, Fayetteville, Little Rock
JEANSCJ by Cookie Johnson. Kristin Chase, Little Rock
RUFFLE CAMISOLE525 America. Kristin Chase, Little Rock
JACKET The Real Truth. Kristin Chase, Little Rock
SOLID PERFUMETokyo Milk in Scarlett. Box Turtle, Little Rock
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SEARCYSAVVY
This month, At Home in Arkansas visits Searcy, where local interior designer Beth Davis gave us a grand tour of her charming hometown and her go-to spots for dining, shopping and more.
Check in at HERITAGE INN (907 E. Market Ave., 501-279-4700,
www.harding.edu/heritage). On the campus of Davis’ alma
mater, Harding University, it’s a tastefully furnished home base
for tourist, conference and University guests who have included
Barbara Bush and Steve Forbes. “The beautiful lobby features
marble and a curved double staircase,” adds Davis, who often
attends events there as well.
First on the shopping agenda is BETH DAVIS INTERIORS (3532
E. Race Ave., 877-699-4693, blog.bethdavisinteriors.com), which
is home to her renowned interior design firm and 1,700-square-
foot retail space. “Everybody can afford to walk in and buy
something,” Davis points out. “We stock everything from sofas
and lamps to small gifts.” The quality and plethora of styles in
the store are indicative of Davis’ range of design services. The
mother of three grown girls—Ellen, Emily and Erin—takes on
projects of every size, and frequently opens up her beautiful
retail space for charity and other events.
At THE BOUTIQUE (112 N. Spring St., 501-268-3434), you’ll
marvel at Marianne Jones’ wide selection of gifts and home
décor, including Company C. The high tin ceilings conjure up
visions of yesteryear, not surprising considering Jones, through
the Main Street Project, is an outspoken advocate of preserving
and refurbishing the downtown area. The designer also provides
floral services for events at nearby ROBBINS SANFORD GRAND HALL (118 N. Spring St., 501-207-1864).
Time for lunch! MIDNIGHT OIL (801 E. Race Ave., 501-268-
9014) is anything but the inconspicuous coffee shop it appears
to be. Sure, you’ll find inspired art exhibitions, delectable
homemade fare (we oohed and aahed over the soup, sandwiches
and brownies) and the enticing aroma of fine coffee, thanks to
managers Lynn and Isaac Bruning. But, owned by Kibo Group
International (www.kibogroup.org), it’s also a local base for
Kibo’s African Development Projects, which are helping people
in need around the world.
The Boutique
Interior Designer Beth Davis
Beth Davis Interiors
The Boutique
74 At Home in Arkansas
Midnight Oil
Cosmetic Studio
SEARCY ART GALLERY (300 E. Race Ave., 501-279-
1094) is special, Davis says, “because not many
towns our size have art galleries.” The volunteer-
driven gallery is located in the historic 1850s Black
House, a Searcy landmark. Shows highlighting local
woodworking, photography, quilting and more, rotate
out every three months. Another option is STEVENS ART GALLERY (900 E. Center Ave., 501-279-4000);
located across from Heritage Inn, it’s “a great place
to buy original art from students at great prices and
to find artists to create original work for you,” Davis
says.
TARA & CO. FINE DIAMONDS (1545 E. Race Ave.,
501-268-4684, www.taracodiamonds.com) comes
highly recommended by Davis, who recently entrusted
the jewelers with the redesign of her wedding ring.
“They are very sweet and down-to-earth,” Davis says.
The well-established, family-owned business employs a
skilled artist to help create custom jewelry, and hand-
selects diamonds in Antwerp, Austria, exclusively
for clients. Pandora is just one of the many available
lines.
DAVIS ALSO RECOMMENDS:
DINING
BRICK OVEN PIZZA CO. (1400 W. Beebe Capps Expy.,
501-268-3399) serves specialty pizzas and sandwiches.
Known for complimentary homemade cookies, THE COOKIE BASKET (106 E. Market Ave., 501-279-2888) is
ideal for ladies who lunch.
DOC’S GRILL AND STEAKHOUSE (1301 E. Beebe
Capps Expy., 501-268-3627), open for lunch and
dinner, serves pasta, steaks and seafood.
FROZEN DELIGHT (2030 Benton St., 501-268-4732),
“a Searcy staple since at least the 1950s,” Davis says,
is known for its hamburgers and specialty shakes.
The Cookie Basket
Tara & Co. Fine Diamonds
Heritage Inn
Searcy Art Gallery
INSIDER SECRETSDavis frequents
THACKERLAND FLEA MARKET
(666 Hwy. 367 N., 501-729-3063)
in nearby Judsonia, where she often picks
up “little silver-plated dessert forks to use for
entertaining,” she says. “They’re $2 each
and clean up beautifully!” Davis also suggests
HABITAT RESTORE (210 W. Mulberry Ave.,
501-278-5530), which sells used and surplus
building materials at a fraction of retail
prices, and where Davis sends many of
her own slightly damaged items.
www.athomearkansas.com 75
207 West Arch Downtown Searcy501.268.8100
www.sowellsfurniture.com www.sowellsfurnitureblog.com Visit us on Facebook
Sowell’s FURNITURE
Experience Sowell’sFurniture Accessories
Complimentary Design Bridal Registry
215 W. Race, Searcy (501) 268-8618
2126 N. First, Jacksonville(501) 982-5453
Furniture & Appliances
76 At Home in Arkansas
At Home Favorites for Home Design
Searcy Design Center
CRAFTON’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCE
(215 W. Race Ave. or 620 W. Main St., 501-268-8618,
www.shopcraftonsfurniture.com) encourages you to shop smart and buy local. Be
sure to peruse this local favorite for inspiration for your next home design project.
While you’re in town, take advantage of the complimentary design services at
SOWELL’S FURNITURE (207 W. Arch Ave., 501-268-8100, www.sowellsfurniture.
com). The staff will guide you through the process of choosing the right
Let KEY LIME COTTAGE (405 N. Walnut St., 501-278-5463),
a bakery in a quaint white house with lime-green trim,
satisfy your sweet tooth with cake and other desserts.
PASTA GRILL (2841 E. Race Ave., 501-268-8880, www.
mypastagrill.com) offers Italian food in a nice atmosphere.
SHOPPING
The designer shops at BLACKBIRD (1625 E. Beebe Capps
Expy., 501-268-3111), which impressed us with its friendly
staff and well-edited selection of clothing and jewelry, as
well as SALON BLISS (2303 W. Beebe Capps Expy., 501-
279-2544). Pampering yourself just became easier as well,
thanks to At Home favorite COSMETIC STUDIO (1623 E.
Beebe Capps Expy., 501-279-2526), which is a must for
exclusive brand-name cosmetics, fragrance and more.
Davis advises anyone looking for fabrics, ready-made and
custom draperies, custom aprons, pillows, table skirts and
more, to check out SEARCY DESIGN CENTER (1612 W. Beebe
Capps Expy., 501-268-2311, www.searcydesigncenter.com).
CALVIN MITCHELL LEATHER SHOP (814 S. Remington St.,
501-268-6854) specializes in leather gifts and embossing
with logos, names and initials.
True to the motto, “You name it, we frame it!” POLLARD STUDIO FINE ART & FRAMING (1213 E. Race Ave., 501-278-
5547) is where Davis turns for all her framing.Blackbird
furnishings, accessories and window treatments for your
project, and even make a nifty “shopping list” of items
you’ll need.
Randy Allred with THIRD GENERATION INDUSTRIES (113 E. Center Ave., 501-827-2336) specializes in
innovative quartz and granite countertop solutions; we
never miss an opportunity to visit his showroom to see the
latest materials.
Flooring contributes to the overall look of your home.
WHITE RIVER FLOORING (800 S. Main St., 501-268-5370,
www.whiteriverflooring.com) encompasses 3,400 square
feet of products and offers installation as well. Stop in and
have a look at options in SmartStrand carpet, concrete
stains, laminate, beautiful hardwood, and much more.
Third Generation Industries
Sowell’s Furniture
There’s more online...
www.athomearkansas.com
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78 At Home in Arkansas
The Central Arkansas Library System has a large selection of ebooks that you can
download to your ereader...all for free!Visit www.cals.org for the complete catalog.
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To register, visit www.centralarkansasheartwalk.org
Stay connected, Facebook.com/ahaarkansas
Take the First Step to
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www.athomearkansas.com 79
a special at home in arkansas promotion
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1. THE HOUSE SPECIAL INTERIORSThese Company C outdoor rugsare like a ray of design sunshine. Left to right: Trees Key Lime, Trees Driftwood, Mosaic Lagoon and Patio Key Lime. Available in 17 colorful patterns, starting at $48. Available at The HouseSpecial Interiors, Fayetteville. (479) 527-6464
2. THE BOUTIQUEAn outdoor party deserves a Napa FireLite, a ceramic work of art that adds ambience and can ward off insects. Small and large sizes avail-able. Eco Gel fuel sold separately. Available at The Boutique, Searcy. (501) 268-3434
3. FOUNTAINS, POTS, PLANTS & MORESet a festive scene with decorative pots in a variety of styles and colors from Jackson Pottery Inc. Available at Fountains, Pots, Plants & More, Conway. (501) 339-5000
4. FIFTH SEASONWhere most of us love to garden the most – in the kitchen! This cute fork and shovel salad serving set by Vagabond House is just the thing for spring. Made of pewter and makah wood. $95. Through special order at Fifth Season, Little Rock. (501) 225-0544
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OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
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OCCUPATION: Landscape designer
and contractor. My husband, Brad,
and I have owned our business,
Nature Company, for 27 years.
BEST KNOWN FOR: Residential
landscapes. I’m not known for one
style, because I suit the style to the
client; I consider listening to them—
learning what they want and how
they want to enjoy their yard—the
most important element of my job.
But in my own garden, I’m known for
a bit of controlled chaos: a garden
with good bones and a softness that
plays off the structure.
LIVES IN: West Little Rock, in
a contemporary home that we
renovated and moved into last
summer. We’re still growing into and
learning this house.
MY FAVORITE PART OF MY HOUSE IS: By the fi replace,
which is in the open living and
kitchen area we created during the
renovation. When our daughter
Kate and son Hayes are home, it’s a
wonderful place for all of us to hang
out. And our dogs, Amos and Tucker,
curl up next to the fi replace with me
and instantly fall asleep.
I’M MOST AT HOME: In our new
bedroom, which has lots of glass
with three big windows overlooking
our wooded backyard. Our bed is
situated with a view of the woods,
and it’s pretty wonderful.
Photography: Nancy Nolan
At Home with Adrienne Taylor
