Entertaining by Design

When the couple purchased the traditional-style house in 1990, the lower level was a dance studio for the previous owners’ two daughters, complete with a mirrored wall and a ballet barre. As owner of Keener Construction Co., Inc., David handily transformed the space into a recreation room their family of four could enjoy. Twenty years later, as empty nesters, Beverly and David intended to update the lower level once again, which became an easy decision when flooding caused by upstairs renovations severely damaged the walls and flooring.

For Beverly, it was an opportunity to transform the room from a recreational area into an inviting space for entertaining friends and family. Keener Construction Co., Inc. pulled up the carpet and removed the wood paneling from the walls, and with the room stripped down to the studs, it became a canvas for the Keeners to design a space suited to their entertaining needs.

“We put sheetrock on the walls and hardwood on the floors,” Beverly says. “The addition of warm colors on the walls and through the cabinets and tile in the wet bar area makes the room feel cozy,” she adds, “and the hardwood floors keep it low maintenance.”

The couple’s goal was to create a casual space that would work as well for a room full of guests as it would for simple family gatherings. A seating area featuring a new leather sofa and comfortable chairs is a prime space for relaxing. The adjacent wet bar is a reduced-sized version of a fully functional kitchen, with a below-counter refrigerator, microwave, icemaker, sink and even a range with a grill—which Beverly notes is ideal for making hot dogs during football games. “It became a room where family and friends could gather for holidays or special occasions, or just to watch sports,” she adds.

Though designed for entertaining, the room also serves as a meeting place for Beverly’s charity group. “I spend much of my time working with Circle of Friends, a group associated with Arkansas Children’s Hospital,” she notes. “Our family room is a great place for the group to meet. It’s such a multipurpose area.”

Design Resources

Contractor Keener Construction Co., Inc., Russellville

Accessories Three’s Company, Russellville; Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, locations statewide

Cabinets The Carpenter Shop, Ratcliff

Countertop Alpha Counter Tops, Russellville

Fixtures MS Wholesale Plumbing, Inc., Russellville

Furnishings Basset Furniture, Little Rock; Bethany’s Design Center, River Valley Furniture, Russellville

Hardwood Race Carpet & Vinyl, Russellville

Lighting Light Innovations, Little Rock

Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide

Tile Acme Brick, locations statewide

Hobby Haven: In Sherwood, a bare basement becomes a favorite space for crafts, creativity and family time