Natural Entertaining

A Little Rock family revamps their backyard to create a perfect entertaining atmosphere for friends and family

Text: Jessica Kokinos-Havel

Photos: Larry Pennington

May 2008

When Little Rock residents Shawnee and Wayne Bruffett decided to build a poolside gathering space at their Pleasant Valley home, they could hardly imagine what it would become. “Actually, I just wanted to get a chiminea” says Shawnee, “and it snowballed.” What they got was an outdoor living space that is as functional as it is beautiful. Landscape architect Daniel Lanehart and Morris Chappell Landscaping worked together to create an area perfect for intimate family gatherings, as well as large backyard celebrations.

One of the most prominent features of this outdoor space is the large wood-burning fireplace designed by Daniel Lanehart of Arkansas Landscape. Made of flagstone and brick, it’s positioned between a built-in firewood holder and a television cabinet, and it provides almost year-round use of the space. “Personally, fall is my favorite time of year,” Shawnee says. “My kids and their friends love to go out there and make s’mores by the fire.” Two ceiling fans and an iron chandelier hang from the pergola, which shades a large teak dining table. Knockout roses and Encore azaleas provide beautiful pops of color, while columnar evergreens and Japanese maples give an elegant and manicured look to contrast the backdrop of trees and greenery surrounding the property. “Morris Chappell designed all of the lighting and landscaping, and they created the extra touches to keep the space from looking overwhelming,” Shawnee says.

The outdoor kitchen is equipped with a built-in barbecue grill, as well as a refrigerator and an icemaker for added convenience. “The backyard is always equipped for entertaining,” Shawnee says. The teak cabinetry matches the dining table and provides sleek under-counter storage. The entire area is tiled with Pennsylvania bluestone provided by Joe Murdaugh Masonry, and the stone extends from the kitchen and around the pool. Its natural highlights of blues and creams add visual interest and complement the natural surroundings. “The neatest thing about our backyard is that we want to be there,” Shawnee says. “It’s just so nice to have our own little retreat right outside our door.”

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